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    Have you started to make changes? -- pathways
    You are making real changes to your lifestyle, which is fantastic! To stick with your new habits

    review your plan
    look at the goals you set and how well you are meeting them
    overcome roadblocks by planning ahead for setbacks
    reward yourself for your hard work
    Track your progress
    Tracking your progress helps you spot your strengths, find areas where you can improve, and stay on course. Record not only what you did, but how you felt while doing it—your feelings can play a role in making your new habits stick.
    Recording your progress may help you stay focused and catch setbacks in meeting your goals. Remember that a setback does not mean you have failed. All of us experience setbacks. The key is to get back on track as soon as you can.
    You can track your progress with online tools such as the NIH Body Weight Planner. The NIH Body Weight Planner lets you tailor your calorie and physical activity plans to reach your personal goals within a specific time period.
    Overcome roadblocks
    Remind yourself why you want to be healthier. Perhaps you want the energy to play with your nieces and nephews or to be able to carry your own grocery bags. Recall your reasons for making changes when slip-ups occur. Decide to take the first step to get back on track.
    Problem-solve to “outsmart” roadblocks. For example, plan to walk indoors, such as at a mall, on days when bad weather keeps you from walking outside.
    Ask a friend or family member for help when you need it, and always try to plan ahead. For example, if you know that you will not have time to be physically active after work, go walking with a coworker at lunch or start your day with an exercise video.
    Posted by: AAP Bridge
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  • +7
    Pathways: 3. Exercise improves mood Need an emotional lift? Or need to lower stress after a stressfu
    3. Exercise improves mood
    Need an emotional lift? Or need to lower stress after a stressful day? A gym session or brisk walk can help. Physical activity stimulates many brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.

    You also may feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

    4. Exercise boosts energy
    Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.

    Exercise sends oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.

    5. Exercise promotes better sleep
    Struggling to snooze? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to go to sleep.

    6. Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
    Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and give you more confidence about your physical appearance, which may boost your sex life.

    But there's even more to it than that. Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise.
    Posted by: AAP Bridge
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