Stop mindlessly scrolling through your newsfeed in order to fill your free time. And instead, be productive, be social and improve your health ALL at the same time. Let your social media accounts benefit your personal health by using them to share your intentions with friends. Believe it or not- this is PROVEN to be an effective way to maintain healthy habits. And in a way it is kind of like the modern age, digital diary. It allows you to express yourself and your thoughts and even reflect and analyze your actions to make sure they are taking you one step closer to your goals. A support system is imperative to success when making a lifestyle change and social media allows you to build your own support system and it is COMPLETELY FREE. Another great thing about using social media to document your journey is that it also provides a timeline along with visuals of your journey and the milestones along the way (think Facebook Timehop). 🙂
Here’s how to start using your social media accounts to help you meet your health and fitness goals-
1. Set a goal for yourself and post it publicly for all of your friends and family to see. NEVER underestimate the power of POSITIVE re-inforcement.
2. Connecting with peers, friends, and family via social media can provide you with a daily sounding board for inspiration and healthy course correction. Try using popular hashtags that represent your goals, so that you can be connected with others on similar journeys. For example, try using hashtags like #fitness, #fitspo, etc.
3. Set repercussions if you don’t meet your goals and rewards for when you do. WITHOUT accountability none of us would EVER make progress! For ex: if you were supposed to go to the gym and you didn’t, then you might have to skip your t.v. watching time in the evening or get up early the next morning to hit the gym before work to make-up the workout that you missed to ensure your success. My favorite way to reward myself when I reach a set goal is by purchasing a new pair of gym shoes! Nothing motivates me for my next workout like new gym apparel. And it doesn’t have to hit your wallet hard either- try hitting up nearby outlets or by buying kids size shoes. 🙂
In some ways, social media sites can be better than fitness trackers and apps because they create intrinsic motivation to maintain healthy habits. They can be a more powerful motivator because receiving positive feedback from supportive people in your life will make you feel good, and as you feel better you will be more motivated to keep healthy habits. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Stay #strong,
Laura Nicole Hughes
Owner of #strong, LLC