Struggling to keep going
Do you often start with good intentions, but find it hard to stick to them? Perhaps things go well for a few days or weeks. Then life gets busy, you get tired, or a difficult moment arises. Before you know it, you’re back to your old habits. That can feel discouraging. Sticking to healthy habits is often harder than starting them. Not because you’re not motivated, but because everyday life is full of temptations, distractions and unexpected situations. That’s why a plan that fits your real life – not an ideal week – is what helps.
What do you notice?
Difficulty sticking to things can affect all sorts of habits. Eating, exercise, sleep, alcohol, smoking, relaxation or screen time.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you start enthusiastically and then stop;
- whether you think it’s all or nothing;
- you are hard on yourself after a mistake;
- you forget to make healthy choices when you’re stressed;
- you feel you have little support;
- you set your sights too high;
- you quickly revert to your old habits;
- you lose your motivation;
- You think it won’t work anyway.
Sometimes a relapse feels like a failure. But relapses are often part of behavioural change. The most important thing is what you do afterwards.
What might be the reason for this?
It is difficult to persevere if goals are too ambitious or too vague. ‘Living a healthier life’ sounds good, but it doesn’t tell you what you’ll be doing tomorrow.
Stress, lack of sleep and tiredness also make it harder to keep going. This makes you more likely to opt for the easy way out or fall back into old habits.
In addition, environment and habits play a part. If unhealthy choices are everywhere nearby, or if the people around you aren’t on board, making a change takes more energy.
What can you do yourself?
It helps to make your goal smaller, more specific and more realistic.
For example, you could:
- choose one habit at a time;
- start with a small step;
- link your goal to a specific time;
- keep track of what’s going well;
- anticipating difficult moments;
- ask someone close to you for support;
- to be gentle after a relapse;
- start afresh without letting go of everything.
Ask yourself: what else can I do on a busy or tiring day? That is often the habit that really sticks.
When is it advisable to seek help?
It is wise to seek help if you keep getting stuck and don’t know why. Guidance can also help if a relapse causes a great deal of shame, stress or despondency.
Please also seek help if you are struggling to give up smoking, vaping, heavy drinking or eating habits you cannot control. Your GP can also advise you on this.
How Rondom can help
Together, we’ll explore why it’s difficult to stick with things. In doing so, we’ll look at motivation, habits, stress, sleep, environment and moments when you slip back into old habits.
A lifestyle coach can help to make goals smaller and more achievable. In cases of emotional eating, shame or negative thoughts, it can psychological support should be appropriate. A occupational therapist can help if planning, energy or daily routine are factors.
Together, we are looking for an approach that works not only on good days, but also on difficult days.
