Double Down on Healthy Habits

We are a big bird family (some secret and some not-so-secret birders) so I hate to use this expression, but a great way to make healthy changes is to kill two birds with one stone. (I had a math teacher who said stoning two birds with one joint instead) We could also call it doubling down on healthy habits. Basically it’s about doing two healthy, important activities at once in interest of time and energy! Here are some ways to do it…

Kill Exercise with any of the following birds..

• Socialize more

One of my goals is to be more social (introvert + Covid isolation = ↑ social discomfort) so I will go for walks with friends and get my socializing and exercising together.

Or we could go to a yoga class.

Or out dancing!

• Family time

As a mom to four kids I sometimes worry that I don’t spend enough one-0n-one time with my kids. And during certain seasons (or for certain kids) one seems to get more attention/focus/energy than the others. Which leads to guilt despite all my logical knowing that it happens and not to beat myself up for it and blah blah blah. So…a walk with a child checks off a mothering box and the exercise box

• Relationship time

Making time for the significant other in your life can also be a challenge. How to fix that? And exercise? A walk, a hike, a date night at a climbing place, hot yoga if he or she is up for it followed by extended hydration at an outdoor space nearby. (Note- I have never had a “date night at a climbing place” and I don’t think I ever will but I have seen other people doing it!)

• Personal Development

Listening to podcasts or courses or books while walking or exercising is a great way to kill birds. Growing your mind, staying positive, establishing healthy habits- these are all so important and listening to good stuff is a great way to make them part of your life. It might make you like exercise more too!

Other bird-killing combinations:

• Kill meal prep and family time

Put on some fun music and rope some people into cooking with you. Entice them with treats if you have to! Get your healthy meal prep and cooking done along with some conversation and connection.

One nice idea I’ve had but never implemented is to have an assigned cooking night for each child. Doing this every week might be pushing it, but one night a month for each child seems doable. So on their night they get to choose a meal and cook with you! I’m sure we’d see a lot more homemade mac ‘n’ cheese in our future…

Sneak in some prep and you’ve upped the benefits!

• Doing something outside your comfort zone and time with others

Have you heard that you should do one thing each day that scares you? Or about how important it is to do something outside your comfort zone?

I’m a big believer in this as a part of growing as a person. All that growth mindset stuff. And doing something a little uncomfortable with a friend or family member can be a great way to spend time with them while easing the discomfort.

It doesn’t let you off the hook of getting uncomfortable, but once in a while you can drag a buddy along with you.

• Getting creative

Do a paint night with friends, take your kids to a pottery place- and you make something too, buy some supplies and make wreaths with your neighbor.

Double down on healthy habits…

Really anything can be paired up with spending time with someone else. My point with this post is- I know you’re busy- everyone is so busy. Doing two things that are good for you and important for you at the same time is a great way to fit more goodness into your life. Double down on healthy habits and see how good it makes you feel.

Need some ideas on ways to incorporate healthy habits? Or looking for ways to double down on healthy habits? See these posts for ideas: Anchor Habits and 5-Minute Action Steps to Change to Change Your Life.

Do you already double down on healthy habits? Kill two birds with one stone? I’d love to hear how! Or if you want more ideas about how to make healthy habits a part of your life I’d love to chat! You can comment here, email me at mary@stayathomefit.com, or connect with me on Facebook and Instagram.

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