One of the biggest mistakes people make every year when it comes to forming healthier habits is relying on will power alone to stay consistent with their new behaviours. If you think back to all the times you tried to start something healthier only to realise after a few weeks in that you just don’t have the “willpower” to stick at it you can probably list more than one where it didn’t quiet work out the way you thought it would.
The problem is that there is isn’t a button you can press that instantly turns willpower on. It simply isn’t on-demand, and there isn’t an endless supply at any given time.

The human brain is literally wired to seek out the highest amount of reward for the least amount of effort. The caveman and women got really clever at setting traps so that they could feast for days off animal meat as opposed to wasting tons of energy running after it hoping it would tire itself out and die.

The brain had to get really clever at choosing when you use willpower and when to reserve it. The issue with humans today is that we are often get distracted with the cognitive loads that work, family and everything in between throws at us and willpower inevitably depletes in quick time.

If you’ve ever had healthy intentions at the start of the day (or night before) but as soon as you arrived home from work sat on the couch and ordered a takeaway, you now understand that you couldn’t just press the willpower button to power you up.
Therefore, willpower needs to be treated with caution, being careful how you use your time, energy and decisions during the day is a real conversation you should start having with yourself now. It’s best not rely on willpower as you sole strategy and there isn’t enough to go around. At least now you know focusing on the more practical steps in setting up habits instead offers much more opportunity.

Chapter 1. Introduction

Healthier Habits Made Simple

If you want to become healthier, fitter, and stronger not just for summer holidays or the Christmas night out, you are going to have to build sustainable habits. Habits that you find yourself doing without thinking about it. The problem is however is that most people do not understand how habits work. They fall victim to relying on “self-motivation” thinking that once they start Monday (because any other day would just be wrong) everything will just start to fall into place and they will mindlessly. I probably don’t need to tell you that adopting this approach simply doesn’t work and only leads to waste of time, money and heartache of 99% of people.

All is not lost though, once you understand the science behind building healthier habits along with the practical steps you can take to protect them you’ll be able to reap the rewards not just physically but psychologically also. The great thing is you won’t have to wait very long to build healthier habits in your life because what you’re about to learn is very easy to implement once you understand the simple science behind habit formation. Let’s dive in.

Here is a very interesting article written by Jessica Stillman I found in Inc magazine which I suggest you read asap:

We're only a week into 2021 and we've already had a coup attempt, a rampaging new strain of Covid, a halting vaccine rollout, and even attack squirrels (murder hornets and meth alligators are so 2020). It does not appear we're in for a restful year. But even if the world makes it hard to relax, at least one doctor insists we all need to find a way to reset and recharge anyway.

And that's more complicated than just switching off your brain and switching on Netflix every once in a while.

In a new TED Ideas post, Saundra Dalton-Smith insists "we go through life thinking we've rested because we have gotten enough sleep -- but in reality we are missing out on the other types of rest we desperately need" and outlines the seven types of rest that are essential for human flourishing

1. Physical rest

This is the usual definition of rest we're all familiar with. But while we know we need to spend a decent number of hours in bed to stay healthy, a steady drumbeat of studies shows a large proportion of us still don't get enough physical rest.

2. Mental rest
Always have a tornado of thoughts swirling in your head from the moment you wake up to the moment you (finally) fall asleep? You need more mental rest, and even if you sleep a solid eight hours a night, you're not going to feel fully recharged until you get it.

"The good news is you don't have to quit your job or go on vacation to fix this. Schedule short breaks to occur every two hours throughout your workday; these breaks can remind you to slow down. You might also keep a notepad by the bed to jot down any nagging thoughts that would keep you awake," suggests Dalton-Smith.

3. Sensory rest
Staring at screens all day and all night means your eyes never get a proper rest, but this isn't the only reason many of us never give our senses a break. Noisy cities, pinging notifications, and blaring music all contribute to constant sensory stimulation. Your brain needs a rest now and again. Consciously close your eyes and give yourself the gift of silence for short periods throughout the day...

Read on here  

You can become a healthier, happier and more successful person by making a few simple changes to your lifestyle. You will have to make changes to the overall you, not just change the amount of exercise you do or your diet.

The secret to achieving happiness and a healthier you is to balance your body and mind in harmony, it is only when we are balanced in physical health, mental and spiritual that we are truly healthy.

If we are healthy then we are happier and can reach success more easily in life, here are some ways you can bring back harmony and balance to your life
Exercise is an essential part, it helps to tone our body, keep our heart and lungs healthy and detoxifies.
Exercise can be anything from more vigorous routines such as aerobics to simply walking, pick your favorite activity and set aside a specific time of day and commit yourself to devoting a half-hour per day towards getting your body back into shape.
Eating right is the next essential step to maintaining a well-balanced life; our bodies need the right number of vitamins, nutrients and minerals to work at its best.

Making changes to our diet is easy, keep away from fast foods which contain a lot of saturated fats and sugar and start including more whole grains, chicken, fish, plenty of green vegetables and try to eat fresh fruit instead of juice when available.

Along with making changes to your diet you should include supplements such as vitamins, nutrients and minerals. Modern farming methods strip many of our foods of the minerals our bodies require and now just provide us with the basic nutrients....

Read on by downloading the Free eBook here-below

Running and walking are undoubtedly two of the best exercises you can do. Even just a gentle walk for 30 minutes each day can help you to stay in shape. One of the best things about running and walking as your form of exercise, is that they are mostly completely free.

All you need to get started is a good pair of walking or running shoes. While these can be expensive, there are ways to reduce the cost. Here, you’ll discover some of the best tips for getting the best value walking and running shoes.

Take a Look Online

Typically, the best deals for running shoes can be found online. If you type in a search for walking or running shoes, you’ll be presented with thousands of results. This allows you to compare your options to find the cheapest deals.

It would be particularly useful if you had a brand of running shoe in mind. This will narrow down your search results and allow you to find the cheapest deals on the specific shoes you’re considering.

To save the most money, consider buying unbranded shoes. You’ll end up paying potentially hundreds of dollars more for branded shoes than you will for unbranded. This isn’t always down to the quality; sometimes it’s just the cost of investing in a particular brand.

Take Advantage of End of Season Sales

A great way to save money on walking and running shoes is to look at end of season sales. Shoe stores frequently provide sales – whether it is end of season or to celebrate specific holidays.

You can find running shoes reduced by hundreds of dollars in the right sale. Don’t forget to look at both online and offline sales...

Read on by downloading the eBook here-below!

If you’re looking to have fun and get into shape, joining a team sport could be just what you need. However, if you haven’t got a huge budget, there are some team sports you’ll want to avoid.

Below, you’ll discover the five cheapest team sports you can partake in when you fancy trying something new.

1.     Soccer

Soccer is one of the most affordable team sports you can join. You don’t need a lot of equipment, just a decent pair of soccer shoes and suitable kit. You’ll find most areas have their own soccer teams. However, you could also create your own with your family and friends if you’re just looking for something fun to do together.

2.     Cross Country

If you’re a big running fan, cross country could be just what you need. While not strictly a team sport, it does involve doing it with a large group of other runners. There are also cross-country teams you can join.

You will need to have a decent level of fitness for this one. However, it could be a great competitive sport for you to get into. If you make it onto a team, you’ll also get to travel around the country, depending upon how good you get....

Read on by downloading the eBook here-below!

If you’re looking to boost your strength, you don’t necessarily have to go to the gym. There are lots of affordable ways to partake in strength training elsewhere. You can use equipment from home, or even strength train in your local park.

Below, you’ll discover some great ways to enjoy strength training on a budget.

Utilize Dumbbells

Dumbbells are one of the best pieces of home gym equipment you can invest in. They are inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes and weights. You can also use them anywhere, from your front room to your local park.

If you look online, you’ll find hundreds of dumbbells exercises you can try. They can also be used by all ages and can prove particularly effective for the elderly and those who are just getting back into strength training. They provide a gentle yet very effective workout for the arms.

Ab Machines

Like dumbbells, ab machines come in a variety of types. This means you are guaranteed to find one to match your budget.

If you’re looking for the most affordable type, invest in an abs roller. These are small and portable, and they are surprisingly effective at toning up the abdomen. It’s worth noting that you should start gradually with this type of machine. It relies upon your own body weight to tone up and it’s easy to overdo it on your first go.

If you do have a little extra money, you can invest in the freestanding ab machines. These will give you a much tougher workout, but they can get expensive if you choose one with a lot of additional features. Search online to find the best price for ab machines in your area....

Read on by downloading the eBook here-below!

Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do; however, it can be expensive if you want to do it regularly. If you plan on taking it up competitively, the costs jump even higher.

The good news is, taking up swimming doesn’t have to break the bank. Below, you’ll discover some great tips for enjoying swimming on a budget.

Try to Find an Ocean Pool

A great way to save money on swimming is to try and find an ocean pool near you. They aren’t as common as standard swimming pools, but if you do have one near you, they are often free to use.

 Swim in the Ocean

If there is no ocean pool where you live, you could always head to your nearest ocean. Many beaches boast calm waters, allowing you to swim in them. Obviously, this is a little riskier than heading out to your local pool. However, it’s totally free and if you go early, you’ll beat the crowds.

Just remember to not swim too far out and keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go.

Don’t Waste Money on Accessories

You may be tempted to invest in the latest swimming gadgets. However, the truth is that you only really need a pair of goggles and swim wear. Anything else is a waste of money unless you plan on really getting into competitive swimming. Even then, you can wait until you reach competitive level until you have to invest in better equipment.

As well as saving you money, ocean pools are also much better for the body. They don’t contain chlorine and saltwater is much gentler on the hair and skin...

Read on by downloading the eBook here-below!

If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to keep fit, dog walking is a great idea. There are a lot of benefits that come from owning a dog and exercise is just one of them.

While simply getting out on a dog walk is good exercise in itself, there are other ways to tweak it so you gain even more exercise benefits. Below, you’ll discover several more ideas for using dog walking for exercise.

Make Sure You Set a Routine

The best way to use dog walking as exercise is to get into a set routine. Depending upon the breed of dog you own, it is recommended you walk twice a day for 30 minutes. Most people find it best to go early in the morning and then again in the early evening.

When you establish a routine, you’ll get plenty of exercise without really thinking about it.

Walking over Different Terrains

One way that dog walking can help to boost your exercise routine, is to walk over different terrains. You might not think about it, but you use different muscles when walking over different types of terrain.

Try to mix up your dog walks. Sometimes you can stick to paths, while other times you can go on grass and even hike up mountains. By mixing up your dog walk, you’ll also have less chance of getting bored with the routine. So, pick different places you can go, particularly at the weekends where you can typically travel a little further afield....

Read on by downloading the eBook here-below!

If you want to stay in shape at home, there are a lot of types of equipment you can invest in. No matter how big or small the space you have available, there is cheap and versatile equipment you can use.

To help give you a little inspiration, below you’ll discover some of the best cheap and versatile gym equipment you can purchase for the home.

Dumbbells

Dumbbells are one of the best pieces of home gym equipment you can invest in. There are so many different exercises you can use them for. They also come in numerous weight options, allowing you to easily build your strength up.

Another benefit of this equipment is that it’s easy to store. Dumbbell kits tend to come in their own carry case, allowing them to be neatly stored away until the next use. The right dumbbells can help you to tone up the body, lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health.

Resistance Bands

Another piece of equipment that’s great for home use is resistance bands. Like dumbbells, these are small and easy to store away. They can be used in a lot of different ways, allowing you to stretch and strengthen various parts of the body.

Resistance bands can improve the quality of your workouts, help you develop more focus and they can stabilize the muscles. It is a gentle way to build up your strength and flexibility...

Read on by downloading the eBook here-below!