New research shows more than 40% of Aussies think about improving their health on a daily basis, however, with our busy lives it is hard to turn good intentions into action.
It’s very easy to think of reasons that prevent us from being healthier… we’ve all done it! Medibank has partnered with health and wellness expert, Jessica Sepel, to tackle the most common ones to help re-invigorate your ideas for healthy living and be inspired…
1. "I work long hours so I don’t have the time"
Two thirds (60%) of us think work gets in the way of us being healthy but instead of looking at it as a barrier, use it to your advantage. Think about asking your HR manager to get a fitness instructor in once a week so you and your co-workers can exercise during a lunch hour. Another solution is to start a kitty around the office, so everyone chips in for an office blender. This way if you’ve run out of time in the morning, you can make healthy smoothies at work. You don’t have to turn your life upside down to be healthier - it’s all about taking small steps that fit into your existing schedule.
2. "Healthy living is boring"
Make healthy living a social activity and get your friends involved! It’s so much more fun when you have others to share experiences with. Organise a dinner once a fortnight where each of you bring a healthy dish or invite them over at the weekend and host an exercise class…with the help of an at-home DVD!
Healthy living isn’t as boring as waking up at 6am every day, it can be anything that keeps you moving and makes you happy such as taking a walk with a friend and their new puppy…plus teaming up with others helps keep you all motivated. Get inspired by other peoples fun ways of keeping healthy online. Look out for motivational fitness hashtags such as #Fitspo or #GenBetter.
3. “Being healthy is so expensive"
More than half (55%) the nation believes being healthy is too expensive, however there are a number of ways to lead a healthy life without having to spend a fortune. For example, you can clear your living room and follow exercise videos at home on YouTube, which is absolutely free! If you are still on the fence about being tied down to a gym contract, there are some great pay as you go, single-visit gym programs available like GymBetter. With GymBetter you can access over 600 gyms nationwide for just $8.50 if you’re a Medibank hospital & extras member or $11.95 if you’re a non-member. No contracts, no joining fees…just simply pay for what you use. To save on healthy food shopping, buy fresh fruit and veggies from the farmer’s markets, in bulk where you can. You can also chop and freeze any fruit that’s on the turn, and put them in ready to go freezer bags for smoothies.
4. “I don’t even know where to start”
There’s no need to feel alone if you have no idea where to begin - almost half (49%) of Australians are in your shoes. Start by setting some small goals and making a plan. Your goals can be as simple as making sure you eat a healthy meal at least three times a week or taking a ten minute walk after lunch at work. Planning your meals and exercise goals at the beginning of the week also provides a checklist of things to accomplish. Remember that you’re allowed to slip up occasionally and if you do it’s no big deal! As long as you’re trying then you’re already on your way to better health.
5. “I never see results”
Almost three quarters (74%) of Australians are motivated by physical appearance to be healthy but many don’t see results as fast as they want and give up. Remember that better health is a journey and a lifestyle, not something achieved overnight. It’s not about dropping a size or getting a six-pack in a week. Not only are these results unrealistic and unhealthy, chances are they won’t last. It’s about making those small changes to feel happier, healthier and full of energy. Whilst it’s harder in the colder months, if you start taking even the smallest of steps towards better health now, you’ll gradually feel the changes and will be all set for summer when it comes around.
ABOUT THE RESEARCH
Research was conducted by Pure Profile on behalf of Medibank on a sample of over 1000 Australians nationwide in May 2015.
Also references Medibank Better Health Research, April 2015.
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