How Are You DOING?
In the last issue of this newsletter, we ran an article on lifestyle changes that help lower high blood pressure. What have you learned about sticking with heart-healthy habits? This article can help you check your progress.
Rekindle Your Motivation
What were your reasons for making lifestyle changes to lower high blood pressure? Are they the same now as when you began? Check off any reasons that you agree with below or write down your own reasons.
- I want to protect my health.
- I want to be around for my kids.
- I am afraid of having an increased risk for stroke and heart attack.
- I want to be healthy when I get older.
- I don’t want to use medication or I hope to use less medication.
- It will help me jump-start other healthy habits.
Take These Habits to Heart
Which lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure do you find the most difficult? On a sheet of paper, list your top three most difficult changes to follow and why they are hard. For example, you may find it hard to take your medication on the weekends, really miss eating potato chips and still haven’t quit smoking. Then list at least one way to overcome each of these roadblocks.
Which changes have you found the easiest to make? List those as well. Perhaps you get regular exercise, avoid salty foods and drink alcohol moderately or not at all. Focus on what makes these habits easier to stick with.
Finally, come up with a list of healthy rewards to use when you have reached a goal. Rewards can include just about anything — a walk on the beach, tickets to a concert, an evening with nothing planned and so on. Hang your list where you will see it and plan rewards into your week.
Enjoy Your Success
As much as you need to keep working on those habits you find hard to stick with, it’s just as important to acknowledge the areas where you are successful. Not everyone is the same — some people love to exercise but miss salty foods, while others find it hard to get moving and don’t miss salty foods at all. Focus on the things you do well and use the confidence you gain to boost your efforts in other areas. Keep working at it, and you’ll be surprised at how far you can go.
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