With the start of the new month, it is a good idea to let go of some unhealthy habits and start fresh. A positive mindset is one of the best tools for completing your goals, whether it is big or small. So where to start? Below is a summary of 5 unhealthy habits to avoid, and as you read, think about which ones are most common for you. 

1. "Should-ing"
Using the word "should" encourages the mind to associate the activity being done with a chore (i.e. I should go on a walk, I should pay my bills, etc). Ideally, the mind should choose or desire to do the activity because it has a positive reinforcement. A great way to accomplish activities is by using "If,Then" statements (i.e. "If I go on a walk, then I will feel better" or "If I pay my bills now, then I can relax and not stress as much.")

2. Making Excuses
When we make excuses in the present, it really ends up negatively impacting us in the future. Not only does the habit of making excuses foster other uhealthy habits, but it also limits us from being truly honest with ourselves. 

3. Excessive Sitting
Have you evaluated recently how much you sit? Having a sedentary lifestyle is extremely common throughout all ages and can have many negative impacts. If you have a hard time walking long periods of time, try to take a 10 minute walk every hour. 

4. Focusing on the Past
While it is good to evaluate what has been done in the past, focusing too much can hold us back from moving forward. Everyday is a new day, a new chance to be a better you. 
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5. "I'll Start Tommorrow"
Likewise, we can focus on our future the same way we do our past. While you should have the steps to achieve your goal, the path has to start somewhere. We are all only guarenteed the present, therefore it is the best time to start. 

Written by Joanna Wong, B.A. ,  Health Educator
Resource:
Image from: https://sites.dartmouth.edu/learning/2017/05/18/understanding-the-growth-mindset/