In a perfect world, health would be one of the top priorities on most people’s lists. Unfortunately, making healthy choices isn’t always easy and can even feel a little intimidating from time to time. On top of that, unhealthy options tend to be more prevalent and easier to access which leads lots of people down a path to developing bad habits. Luckily, there some great options out there that can help you and your family prioritize the best choices for your overall health.

1. Write Down Your Goals

Most people have a goal in mind when they decide that it’s time to lead a healthier lifestyle. That goal could be anything from losing weight to improving your mood. No matter what your reasoning is for wanting to ditch your old ways, having a tangible list where you can see what you’re working towards can be a great way to stay motivated. You and your family can write your goal(s) down together and check in periodically as a way to hold each other accountable.

2. Create a Meal Plan

Is your family used to grabbing fast food for dinner? If so, you aren’t alone. Nearly 40 percent of Americans eat fast food every day. Although pulling up to a drive-thru window is quick and convenient, it can have a negative impact on your health. Research has shown that certain foods can not only be bad for your body, but can cause issues like depression and anxiety.

Coming up with a meal plan will create a structure that eliminates having to make last-minute meal choices. Meal plans are also a great way to learn about a variety of healthy options.

3. Keep your Home Healthy

It goes without saying that your surroundings can have a big impact on your health. It’s important to make sure that your home is clean and that everything is functioning properly. Even something as simple as a faulty appliance could mean bad news for your health. An HVAC system that isn’t working properly could result in mold and other harmful things being circulated through the air in your home. If your home has low air quality, you may find that you and your loved ones tend to get sick more often. By performing routine maintenance on your HVAC system and other appliances, you could see an improvement in your overall health.

4. Hold Each Other Accountable

One of the reasons many people fail when they begin their journey towards a healthier lifestyle is because there’s no one to hold them accountable. One of the best things about getting healthy with your family is that you have a group of built-in accountability partners. Be sure to check in with each other on a regular basis to see how everyone is doing. This is a great time to provide positive reinforcement and share stories about what has and/or hasn’t been going well.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Being mindful can be a great way to develop a new appreciation for all of the things around you. Truly being present in each moment can give you greater understanding of what’s important, both mentally and physically. As a family, you can practice being more mindful by limiting cell phone usage during family time, taking walks together and enjoying meals as a group.

A Healthy Life is a Happy Life

Getting your health back on track may seem like a huge undertaking at first, but with these tips, you and your family can learn how to take control and make decisions that will benefit your minds and bodies. The first step is always the hardest, but once you get started, you’ll wish you’d done it sooner.

Photo credit: Joshua Rodriguez via Unsplash

Kay Carter is a writer from Raleigh, NC. When she isn’t writing about health or the latest wellness trend, she enjoys reading, traveling, and practicing yoga.