Thinking about adopting healthier life choices regarding nutrition, physical activity and your mental wellbeing? In this article we’ve summarised our top tips to help you start new habits and make them stick.
Making lifestyle changes can feel intimidating at first. You might be worried about making mistakes, tackling too much at once, breaking old habits, or simply not knowing where to start. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of starting a new habit, rest assured, you are not alone. It’s perfectly normal to feel that way, and to help, we’ve included some guidance below to get you off to a positive start.
Tips for creating new habits
Set realistic goals
Start by setting clear, achievable goals. Break down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Whether it’s incorporating more vegetables into your diet or committing to a daily walk, starting small allows for gradual adjustments that are more likely to become permanent parts of your routine.
Be patient with yourself
If you have a setback, try not to give up or beat yourself up about it. Establishing a regular routine can become a habit once it has been adhered to over a period of time; it’s about sticking with healthy behaviours to the point where they become part of who you are, rather than something you are making yourself do.
Try to keep in mind that some things may become habits quickly, while others may require more time and persistence to become an established part of who you are. It’s also worth mentioning that no one feels highly motivated every single day, so discipline is equally as important as motivation (if not more so) when developing healthy habits, particularly if that initial buzz wears off! A loss of motivation can result in relapsing, but this can be avoided if you try to remain disciplined and hold yourself accountable to your targets and goals.
Utilise digital tools to help
There are lots of health and fitness apps designed to keep you motivated with new lifestyle habits. These include things such as nutrition and exercise trackers, as well as mental wellbeing apps. The NHS also provides tools to help you put healthy habits in place, such as stopping smoking or cutting down on alcohol intake.
Surround yourself with support
Share your goals with friends or family who can provide encouragement and support. Having a support system can make the journey to a healthier lifestyle more enjoyable and hold you accountable in an empowering way.
Celebrate your achievements
Whether it’s attending a new fitness class or swapping regular fast-food meals for home cooked ones, recognising and celebrating your wins will help you to stay motivated and on the road to success!
Healthy habits that can make a big difference
Below are some lifestyle habits that are key to supporting your overall health.
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
Nutrition is a fundamental part of staying healthy. Focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Try to keep things such as processed foods, sugar, salt, saturated fat, and alcohol to a minimum and consumed in moderation. Consider meal prepping to make nutritious choices more convenient and stay mindful of portion sizes. Don’t forget to keep well hydrated too throughout the day, and try to make it a new habit to drink little and often. See the Public Health England Eatwell Guide for more information on achieving a healthy balanced diet.
Regular physical activity
Regular physical activity is central to health and wellbeing. It supports multiple functions and aspects including your heart health, immunity, sleep quality, and your mental health. Find an activity you enjoy, and gradually increase intensity at a comfortable, sustainable rate. Physical activity with others can also help to make it fun and enjoyable, such as fitness classes or team sports. If you have any health conditions that may affect your ability to exercise check-in with your GP first for guidance. Whether it’s jogging, yoga, dancing, walking, or gardening, keeping active each day will support your whole body to thrive. See the NHS guidelines for recommended amounts of physical activity and strength-building exercises.
Prioritise good quality sleep
Adequate sleep it vital for our bodily functions and mental wellbeing. People vary in how much sleep they need, but in general you should aim for around 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Get into a positive sleep pattern by creating a bedtime routine, limiting screen time before sleep, and making sure your sleep environment is conducive can all help. If you struggle with sleep take a look at these tips from The Sleep Foundation.
Manage stress in a healthy way
Although it may not feel like it at the time, positively managing the pressures in your life is almost always possible to some degree – no matter how overwhelmed you may feel. Healthy coping mechanisms are key in supporting us to manage difficult times. It can also be helpful to establish the things within your control and outside of it, so that you can focus your energy on the things you can do. If you are struggling to cope, it’s important to reach out for help, whether that’s to those around you, or your GP if you feel you need further support. Your employer may also provide access to an employee assistance programme (EAP) which can offer confidential support for a range of topics from stress to financial worry.
Further support
British Nutrition Association – Adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Mind – Managing stress and building resilience.
NHS on the benefits of exercise – Understand the different ways regular physical activity can support your body.
NHS on health eating – This includes a breakdown of what foods to include and which to minimise.
Ref: WPW0270 this information was reviewed March 2025.
