Making even one lifestyle change for your heart reduces your risk for heart disease. Change is hard for everyone, so take it one step at a time. Here are some tips to help you get started on making changes that are good for your heart.
Make a plan
Trying to do too much too fast can end in failure.
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Start by writing down all the things you’d like to do to lower your risks.
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Break each one into small steps. If you said, “Cut down on eating too much fat,” a small step could be to use fruit spread instead of butter on your toast. Or have soup and a roll for lunch instead of going out for a hamburger and fries.
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Decide which step you’d like to take first. Then choose a second and a third step.
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Check off each step as you achieve it. Add new steps as you go along.
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Set a deadline to meet each of your steps and help you stick with the new rule you have made for yourself.
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If a step isn’t working, try another. Come back to the first one later.
Keep records
Keeping records helps you know your habits and see your successes.
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An exercise record can help you see your progress and keep you going. Try logging your activities every week. This will give you a chance to look back at the end of the week and make any changes as needed.
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Food records can help you see your eating patterns and plan ways to make small, supportive changes. Try writing down the foods you eat each day. This will likely make it easier to help you be more consistent in making healthy food choices.
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Noting when you feel stressed or want to smoke can help you think of ways to avoid these triggers. Write down a list of activities you would rather do to not give in to these unhealthy impulses.
Reward yourself
Making changes isn’t easy. You deserve to reward yourself when you succeed. Just making the change may be its own reward. But why not give yourself an extra pat on the back?
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Give yourself something special you’ve been wanting.
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Do something that you’ve always promised yourself you’d do, such as going dancing.
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Treat yourself to an activity you'll enjoy after a successful week.
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