Staying positive and motivated can help you live a healthy life. Also, it makes it easier to make healthy food decisions and to stay active. Tips for staying positive include:

• Choose to do something you enjoy. Many people prefer walking. You can walk outdoors, at home on a treadmill, alone, or with friends and family.
• Make it fun. Listen to music or books on tape while you walk or jog. Watch TV or a video while you exercise.
• Keep it interesting. Try different activities like tennis, swimming, dancing, biking, team sports, or yoga.
• Write it down. Schedule time to be active just as you would for any other important appointment.
• Give yourself credit. Set short-term goals and plan rewards for yourself all along the way.
• Be flexible. Life will sometimes get in the way of your plans. Stay flexible and get back on track right away.
• Spend time with friends. Limit your exposure to friends who are negative.
• Get away from the office, school, or everyday life with day trips, mini vacations, or full vacations.
• Read an inspirational book.
• Volunteer. Helping others can improve your emotional outlook.

If you are a parent, help your family develop good emotional health. Parents are the most important role models. As parents, you set examples by being active, eating healthy, and living a balanced lifestyle. The following family tips can help:

• Commit to making healthy choices and involve your kids. Ask them what your family can do to make healthy changes in your lives.
• Take time out to have fun and connect with each other. Playtime for all ages is part of a healthy life.
• Have a positive attitude. Show your kids how great it feels to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Things to consider

Don’t let stress get you down. We all feel stressed at times. How you react to stress will determine its effect on you. Take steps to prevent stress when you can and manage it when you can’t. 

Take care of you. It is important to be mindful of the choices you make for your personal health and well being. Nothing is more important than taking care of you. Set aside time every day for you. Be active, enjoy hobbies, and share time with your family and friends.

Additionally:

• Strive for balance in both your personal and work life.
• Make time for important relationships in your life.
• Ask for help whenever you need support from others.
• Find ways to relieve stress, like physical activity and relaxation techniques.
• Be open-minded to try something new, like a hobby or activity.
• Don’t let special events and holiday sabotage your healthy lifestyle. Remember to get back on track with a healthy diet if you splurge at Christmas or a wedding. Use the hotel gym if you travel. And enjoy the opportunity to meet new people when you can.