5 Tips for a Successful Wellness Plan

Finding or making a new plan to change some aspect of your life (especially your health) is usually the easy part. There are countless 'experts' out there that will tell you what you should be doing and when. If you think about all of those 'diet and exercise plans' that are out there you can easily see how it wouldn't be too hard to just pick one and jump in. If you have looked into them very closely you will have realized that they are often contradictory and yet there always seems to be a large number of people who have benefitted from the program. So why is that?

I have a couple of guesses about the answer to this one:

1. Some of the reported results are fake. (this is a very real and dangerous problem in the wellness world)

2. The effects of the plan are not sustainable. (They require you to continue excessive exercise or restricted eating...This contributes to the problem in #1)

3. Every body responds differently to different strategies because we are all unique.

This is a very healthy acknowledgement to make and can get you off the frustrating cycle of seeking out solutions and crossing your fingers that they work!

The best way to achieve wellness is with a wellness plan that works for you. This can be achieved by making your own or working with a personal coach that can help you along the way. The most successful plan will work with your strengths, address your personal needs and mesh nicely with your personality and interests.

Here are 5 Things you should consider when making your own wellness plan:

1. Is this change important to me right now?

This is number one for a reason. If what you are making a plan to change is not a high priority for you then it doesn't matter how great your plan is you are probably not going to stick with it. If it's not really important to you, leave it. It's not work the frustration. Pushing through change is hard enough as it is and doing it for something you don't want isn't going to make it easier.

2. Do I have the Confidence to make this change?

Have you been successful at making changes in the past? Do you know a lot about the change you want to make? Do you have feel you have the flexibility to change course if it doesn't go to plan? Do you have a good support system? or do you need to reach out for some help in gaining the support or skills that you need to be successful?

3. What will I do when something disrupts my plan?

Stuff happens. DO you know what you are going to do when it does? What if the weather is bad or someone brings treats to the office? What happens when your family or friends try to encroach on your 'me time'? Plan ahead so that you can feel confident in what you options are and give yourself the power to choose the most appropriate response for you. Knowing that you were prepared for a potential setback will give you the confidence that you really do have a good plan and you can be successful for the long term.

4. Consider your sleep cycle.

Are you and early bird or a night owl? You might not think this matters but it can have a huge impact on how successful you are at sticking to a lifestyle change. IF you are constantly fighting your body's natural rhythm you will be creating more stress instead of less and setting yourself up for disappointment. If getting out of bed in the morning is the barrier to getting more exercise or time for self care then try making your healthy habit change at lunch or evening routine.

5. Do you 'go it alone' or 'find a tribe'?

Many people subscribe to the notion that you need a 'tribe' or a group to have accountability. This, again, depends a lot on your personality and if you find other people energizing or draining. If you need external accountability but find groups draining feel free to come up with an accountability strategy that allows to the flexibility to make the changes on your own.

A wellness plan needs to work for you and most of the cookie cutter ones out there will work for a lot of people. If you happen to be one of the ones who are already stressed with commitments or otherwise don't 'fit the mould' then a personalized program is truly the only way to make wellness work for you.