- Small, sustainable steps and external support foster lasting lifestyle improvements.
- Acknowledge your setbacks and stay adaptable for continued progress toward a healthier life.
- Visana coaches offer support in your chronic illness treatment, offering personalized guidance.
Changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and other day-to-day habits have been proven to improve symptoms for many gynecological conditions, but behavior change can be challenging, and many people struggle to make long-term, sustainable changes in their habits and lifestyle.
There are many reasons why many struggle with lifestyle changes, including a lack of knowledge or resources, a lack of support or motivation, and the presence of competing priorities or demands on our time and energy.
Consider the following guidance for making long-term changes.
Tips for making long-term lifestyle changes
1. Support changes in your habits by seeking out support and guidance from others.
This may involve enlisting the help of a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare provider, or joining a support group or community of like-minded individuals who share your goals and challenges.
2. Approach behavior change in a realistic and sustainable way.
Rather than trying to make sweeping changes all at once, it can be helpful to start small and gradually build momentum over time. Setting achievable goals, celebrating small successes along the way, and staying focused on the bigger picture can all help to keep us motivated and on track.
3. Recognize that behavior change is a process, and that setbacks and obstacles are a normal part of that process.
Rather than beating ourselves up or giving up when things don't go as planned, it's important to stay flexible and adaptable, and to use setbacks as an opportunity to learn and grow.
With the right mindset, support, and strategies in place, it is possible to make meaningful, lasting changes in our behavior and lifestyle that can help us lead happier, healthier lives.
Health coaches offer personalized support
A health coach can be a valuable resource for individuals struggling with chronic illnesses and hard-to-resolve symptoms.
Working in partnership with clinicians, Visana health coaches support patients by providing personalized support, education, guidance, accountability, and motivation to promote overall health and well-being.
