Recent studies have shown that nurses are more likely to be obese than many Americans.  In fact, a Harvard Nurses’ Health Study showed that about 56 percent of nurses could be classified as overweight.  Ask a nurse why they think this is so, and most of the responses link back to bad habits at the workplace, such as too much caffeine, sugar and unhealthful eating.  How do you break those habits and enhance your health?

A habit is any action that we have performed so often that it has become almost involuntary.  If it is an undesirable habit, then we may label it a “bad habit”.  Although many try to break the habit, most often they do not succeed.  Why?  Most people believe change is hard work, and aren’t willing to put forth the effort.  The truth is, however, that there are a few simple steps that can help anyone succeed in breaking any bad habits: from smoking to eating too much junk food.

1.  Take small steps.  Don’t tackle your biggest habit first, but start with a more manageable one.  Choose situations that will bring immediate success and satisfaction.

2.  Don’t try to change everything overnight.  Pick one or two small areas you can change to work on first.

3.  Alter your environment.  Change the routine you are in, even slightly, and it may be easier to resist the usual temptations.

4.  Keep a journal or diary of your progress.  When you track your efforts it helps you to focus and also brings awareness as to why you are behaving a certain way.

5.  Expect some setbacks.  Don’t get discouraged by them, but instead try again.  If you keep failing in your efforts, try another technique.  It may take more than one method to get you to where you want to be.

6.  Separate your self-worth from the habit.  Everyone has quirks and habits that they want to conquer.  Just because you have a habit you want to break does not mean that you are failing or unworthy.  The fact that you keep trying to improve is what matters most.

7.  Ask for support.  Let those you trust know what you are trying to accomplish.  Their support and encouragement may be all it takes to keep you on the right path.

8.  Find healthy replacements.  If you crave sweets, try healthier alternatives such as your favorite fruits dipped in dark chocolate.  For every unhealthy action there is a healthy alternative that you will enjoy.  It may just take an extra effort to find them.  Ask a nutritionist or professional for advice on healthy alternatives.

Every day people make big and small decisions that not only shape each day, but also shapes their lives.  Make decisions that will produce positive results, increase good feelings, and reduce the potential for stress.

Alice Burron, MS, Personal Trainer, Exercise Physiologist, writer and motivational speaker.  Alice has spent over 15 years inspiring and motivating adults and kids to live their healthy lives possible.   

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