As we progress in life, our needs evolve, but sometimes it’s difficult to enact change. Why? Because change is hard. Period. It can be even harder to adapt or make changes that you have not chosen, especially if those changes have been deemed necessary for the overall well-being of yourself and others. When our changes become requirements, we usually accept them easily, feeling comfortable making some of them, but not all.

Or, we completely deny, dismissing or rebelling against them. We are all unique and different, which, I believe, makes our world more dynamic and beautiful, but this can also unite us or divide us. We have to find a common ground to unite. Together, we are stronger, more courageous, and that is important for our survival.

Right now, more than ever, we are all searching for answers. At this time in history, things are changing from day to day, even hour to hour. All of it can become extremely confusing and overwhelming. We have had to be flexible, trusting new unknowns. Having faith in the right and qualified people will ensure that we get the correct information and that we keep ourselves, and the ones we love, safe and healthy. As our country deals with compounding health and economic crises, adaptation has become crucial in 2021.

I wish to help matters through my work. My expertise is in fitness, nutrition, mindset, and overall wellness. Throughout my education, training, and years of experience working with clients, I have found and documented that most of our decisions are based on a combination of our upbringing, personal life journeys, and experiences. The people we are around, our environment, our belief systems. The things we do, listen to or watch daily. How important we think making changes is, and how they will make our life better. Then committing, being consistent, and, most importantly, not giving up.

One of my favorite quotes is by Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—either way you are right.”

No one wants to lead an unhealthy or unhappy life. With so many unpredictable elements, it can be difficult to keep our priorities straight. This can lead to fear, anxiety, and depression. It shakes us to our core with hopelessness and division. We, as human beings, are stronger together. We must dive deep into our hearts and souls to find all the reasons we should be working together to live safe and healthy lives so that we all can get back to living again. We must find our inner strength and the courage to accept help from others. In numbers, we are so much more powerful and far more likely to adapt to what is required for our overall well-being, physically and mentally.

In all of the unknowns, our common ground, which can unite us, is taking care of ourselves. It is vital. Only then can we set that same example in our homes, our communities, and our world, especially for our leaders of tomorrow. No one can argue that taking steps to be healthier can only help, and not hurt, you—even if you feel the cards are already stacked against you.

I personally have dealt with my own genetic health issues all my life. I am not comparing it to anyone else’s pre-existing health conditions, or your health at this moment, or if you have lost someone you have loved. If you have, I am so very sorry. I’m writing this from a place of love and understanding. Some days, you may feel it would be easier to pull the covers over your head or put your loved ones in a bubble. I completely understand! But, when the covers are pulled down, or when the bubble pops, nothing will have changed. We must find ways to live healthily and fit, mentally and physically, more and more each day, so that we can adapt to what our life is today. It is essential to adapt.

Most of us know what to do, but reminders are always good. This list contains four easy steps. Revisit it if anything resonates with you. Write it down or mentally take note.

Move your body every day. Eat healthy, nutritious food. Stretch and recover. Get enough sleep. Surround yourself with good people. Look at your environment. Stay on track with doctor appointments. Ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Keep your immune system strong. Be careful of information overload—don’t be afraid to turn off your phone, computer, or television. Pay attention to how you feel—honor those feelings and communicate. Create a plan, routine, and schedule. Stop being angry, mad, or aggressive. Make peace with your past, people, or the circumstances you do not control, and move forward. Be happy and laugh often. Decrease stress when you can. Breathe, meditate, and pray. We need more healthy role models, so be one on whatever scale feels right to you. Do something meaningful every single day.

Right now, everything is moving so fast, but true evolution happens gradually over time. Information comes at us so quickly. So, stop and try to stay focused. You cannot change your entire life, or even a few years, months, or weeks, in the blink of an eye.

Let’s slow down a bit. Shut out the noise and create a plan you can actually stick to. I’m going to give you four easy steps to create lifelong, healthy changes by helping you identify your needs, and then helping you implement, maintain, and adapt new, beneficial habits.

Identify

Pick two to three items that are crucial for your overall well-being.
If you are unsure, I recommend paying attention to the top areas you often think about regarding your health and well-being.

Implement

Have a solid plan.
Have clarity on why you are doing it.
Write it out, include roadblocks, put it on your calendar, and be accountable.

Maintain

Don’t stop.
It should not take many hours out of your day. If it does, it will be hard to make the items you picked a part of your lifestyle.
Do not add more items until your new healthy habits come naturally.

Adapt

Enjoy how you feel knowing you have created new, healthy habits for your overall well-being.
This is where I would add another item in—but only if you feel you are ready.
Return to step one: identifying needs.
Share with the world.

If you are struggling, find ways to create a healthier and happy life by rereading the above as a gentle, helpful reminder.

Adapting new beneficial and healthy habits for your overall well-being takes time and hard work, so be patient and proud. When you truly adapt and make changes for your overall well-being, you have made a commitment to yourself that you are important. Those changes will help you live in healthier and happier ways. Your new changes will add up and others will take notice, wanting to know what you’ve changed and why you have made them. Hopefully, your story will inspire others to make changes, too. Then, they may pass it on. The cycle continues, healthily uniting us—and that is extremely powerful.

Health & Fitness Editor Dina Juve

Dina Juve

Health & Fitness Editor

Dina has been in health and fitness for over twenty years. Her health and wellness brand and methods utilize a mind, body, and soul approach to physical health, allowing her to help her clients create the bodies and lives they desire. Though based in California’s Central Valley, she is globally known as a fitness guru, transformation expert, weight loss specialist, and meditation teacher, and she has also worked with dozens of high-profile clients and celebrities across the world.