Creating Healthy Habits: Make Better Choices Easier

Building healthy habits can feel hard at first, especially when you already have a lot going on. Many people start off motivated but lose that motivation after a short time. The truth is, healthy habits are not about being perfect—they are about doing your best and staying consistent. 

Creating Healthy Habits: Make Better Choices Easier  

Healthy habits are the small things you do each day to take care of yourself. This can include getting enough sleep, moving your body, eating healthy foods, or taking time to relax. These actions may seem small, but they can make a big difference over time.

The article, "Creating Healthy Habits" from the National Institutes of Health, explains that building healthy habits takes time and practice. Doing the same behavior regularly and adding it to your daily routine can help it become a habit.  Mistakes are normal and should not stop you from trying again, and getting support from others can help you stay on track.

Read the full article here: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/03/creating-healthy-habits

5 Ways to Make Healthy Habits Stick

One challenge is finding habits that fit into your life. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that is okay. It is better to start small and make simple changes instead of trying to change everything at once. 

The article "5 Ways to Make Healthy Habits Stick—No Willpower Required", from Stanford's National Institutes of Health, explains that building healthy habits takes time and practice. Start small and focus on one change at a time, instead of trying to change everything at once. Doing the same behavior regularly and adding it to your daily routine can help it become a habit. The article also says that mistakes are normal and should not stop you from trying again, and that getting support from others can help you stay on track. 

You can read the full article here: https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/5-ways-to-make-healthy-habits-stick/ 

Do you have any healthy habits? Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below!

 The SPAN Youth Chat

On April 1st, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join Jeremy Hayer and the Youth Engagement Team for a collaboration between the NOPE program and SPAN. Grounded in the mission of the NOPE (Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education) program, this Youth Chat uses interactive discussions and real-world insights to explore the impact of substance use on individuals, families, and communities. Jeremy Hayer and the Youth Engagement Team for a presentation about self-advocacy. More details are soon to come.

 Partners in Education Transition Mini-Conference | Building a Future of Possibilities 

FREE conference for youth and their parents/caregivers! Learn about the transition to adult life, adult services, and self-advocacy. Join us in person to discover strategies and resources from SPAN. A variety of exhibitors will provide helpful information. Important: Parents and caregivers (who can attend separate tracks) must accompany their youth. SPAN does not provide individual support, but youth may attend with their support person. No youth/young adults can be left unattended at any time. 

Questions? Contact Nicole Pratt at npratt@spanadvocacy.org

Resources...

Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.