The 1% Rule

There was a time in my 20s, many years of my 20s really, that I worked out almost every day. I saw the inside of Planet Fitness twice a day most days and when I wasn't there, I was hiking or going for long walks, or trying some sort of fitness class. I ate "clean" (BLAND AND TERRIBLE) and felt so much guilt for indulging in anything that actually tasted good. 

Thankfully, I no longer eat like that or go to a gym twice a day, but I do miss being so physically active. My body definitely felt better, but my life has changed so much since having kids and starting a business, I don't feel like I have the time to focus on working out like I used to.

I was reading a health & wellness magazine the other day, looking for inspiration and researching current health trends, when I came across a trend that resonated with me -- the 1% rule. It's all about making small, realistic changes one day at a time that eventually become ingrained into your lifestyle. This is what we are really all about at OC Wellness -- incremental progress that compounds over time to help you build healthier routines. 

If you’ve struggled with staying consistent, the 1% rule makes it easier to adopt wellness habits that actually last.

The 1% rule says to strive to be at least 1% better every day. Just 1%! I can do that. You can do that. I love it because it gives you permission to be lazy, and honestly I am a lazy person! I am all for anything that makes life easier. You don't have to dive ALL in to a diet, exercise program, water obsession, or anything else - just dive 1% more in each day and that will compound over time. 

If you don't drink any water currently, start drinking one glass per day until that becomes a habit for you, then increase to two cups per day and so on.

Trying to eat healthier? Instead of cutting out everything you love cold turkey, start by adding one serving of vegetables per day to a meal.

Maybe you have been thinking about starting therapy, but are nervous. Consider a telehealth appointment with a licensed therapist so that you can start from the comfort of your home.

Of course, its ultimately up to you what "1% better everyday" really means, but it will motivate you and make the bigger goal so much easier if you celebrate your small wins and remove all the pressure of an "all or nothing" mentality. 

As we enter the holiday season and everyone begins to think about their goals for the new year, keep the 1% rule in mind!