As I have spoken about before healthy isn't always easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Sometimes the health motivation comes through community support and common goals. Finding activities you love, having people to do them with, and at the very least reaching out to find others that enjoy the same things can be the game changer you need. No matter the activity, there are others out there that are having the same struggles and are on a similar journey. From internet communities to meet-up groups or even creating your own group with friends and family, there are many ways to find motivation on your health journey. They often say there is strength in numbers and this is definitely an occasion where that applies.
Although the journey to health may be something that happens within yourself, you don’t have to go at it alone. Here are a few steps to getting out there and finding the support you need. Be it activity, diet, or even health condition… you have a community waiting for you.
Step one - What do you love to do?
Find an activity that you enjoy such as walking, hiking, or sports.
Step two - When and how do you keep active?
Be specific when looking for your community. Example: stroller wielding mom, weekend warrior hikers, health at any size, or tennis for newbs.
Step three - How do you shine and support?
Think about what you have to offer to the group. I am a weekend hiker and am willing to do it in any sort of weather. I also don’t mind last minute invites. Those two things alone could set you aside and find you the perfect community match.
Now that you know the what here is the how to finding a community that works for you.
Do you just need a pep talk and inspiration to get moving? If you search social media you will quickly find hundreds of fitness groups from competition level with a routine in place for those just starting out.
Many fitness devices like Fitbit, Garmin, Jawbone, or Apple products have built in communities on their apps.
Search for meetups in your area on message boards. This could be Facebook, a message board at a local coffee shop, or even an online message board like https://www.meetup.com/ (NOTE: be safe and do your research)
Don’t be afraid to try new things. You may like walking, but maybe try hiking. You may be a tennis fan, but try badminton or the resurfacing pickleball craze. You may hate all of the above and just need to find a group to get excited about movement with.
Dietary styles, allergies, and even health conditions are an easy way to find a group. You will all have at least one thing in common and surely there ways you can help each other. There are tons of us wheat sensitive, dairy intolerant, PCOS inflicted individuals that have found a meal, special exercise, or even new and exciting supplement that works to make your days easier.
Share a little, learn a lot, grow every day. I'm already proud of you, are you?
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.