What a rainy, gloomy day.  What better day (or weekend) to start taking charge of your health and wellness?  You don't have to commit to going for a run, or doing a Yoga class or eating less or quitting smoking.  All you have to do is sit down on your comfortable couch, in your comfortable home and jot down some notes.  Take the thoughts that have been on your mind for so long and put them in writing.  Choose some realistic goals that you know you can accomplish and decide what action steps are easiest for you to commit to in order to help you reach them.  If you need more structure, ask yourself these questions: 

What does living well mean to me? 
If I could choose just one goal to accomplish that would help me live more well, what would it be? 
What are 3 small action steps that I can take to get myself closer to reaching that goal? 
When will I start these action steps? 
How will I hold myself accountable? 

This can be the start of your Action Plan.  This can be a start down your path to a healthier, happier lifestyle.  It's that simple.  Here is an example:

What does living well mean to me? 
~ To me, living well is being stress free, being happy and having plenty of energy to keep up with my two young boys.
If I could choose just one goal to accomplish that would help me live more well, what would it be?
~ I want to be more physically active every single day.
What are 3 small action steps that I can take to get myself closer to reaching that goal?
~ I can start taking a 5-10 break from work every couple of hours to take a brisk walk, do some body-weight exercises or stretch.
~ I can choose one household or yard chore to complete every day. 
~ I can start going for a 30 minute walk every evening after dinner.
When will I start these action steps?
~ I will start these action steps on Saturday, June 8th.
How will I hold myself accountable?
~ I will put a reminder in my calendar at work to alert me when it's time to take a break and do something active. 
~ If something is on my "list of things to do" I have to do them or I will continue to think about them so I will make a list of the chores that need to be done and mark them off as I complete them.
~ I will tell my kids and my boyfriend about my plan to go for a walk after dinner and ask them if they will support me and join in my efforts.

This simple behavioral change process will set you up for success and will gradually become easier as you accomplish your goals, start believing in yourself and start feeling healthier and happier.  And that's what Wellness Coaching is all about. 

With Wellness,

Brandyn

www.wellfitrichmond.com