From Zero to Minus 10 in Baby Steps! Step One: Replace Bad Habits with Good Ones

by Heather Katawazi

Becoming healthier is a goal that often seems completely overwhelming, because we usually start it when we have tipped the balance into poor health. As a community organization dedicated to whole-family health and an active lifestyle, the Rochester-area YMCA wants you to know not just that they support you in your goal to be healthy, but that they have all kinds of ideas and resources for you.

Of course, joining a Y is a great way to be part of a supportive community that strives for health. But there are a lot of other things regular people can do to start making progress toward these goals.

A great way that I have found is to start replacing bad habits with good habits. Now, I don't tackle this whole list at one time! I do one each week, replacing the bad habit on the left with the good habit on the right. Start by making your own list of bad habits, or use mine below. You will feel confident that you are on the right path, even with these easy steps, which will gradually help you become healthier, happier, and more energetic.

© 2011, Heather Katawazi. Heather is the marketing director of the Rochester-area YMCA.