Personal trainer Johnna Holland shares her top tips for healthy living.
Fall in love with yourself and life will fall in love with you. As we act in kindness to ourselves, we may be able to better accept our weaknesses as well as our strengths; have compassion for ourselves as human beings struggling to find personal meaning; be more centered in our life purpose, priorities and passions; and get rid of the clutter that gets in the way of living our best lives.
1. SET INTENTIONS & FIND PURPOSE
When you set intentions, you are more likely to act with purpose and drive. By intending to do some- thing or become something, you are that much closer to living the life that you desire. What I have found to be helpful is writing down my daily, weekly and monthly intentions. This practice allows you to gain a clear vision of what you want and leaves little to no worry about the future. Living in the moment surely does make life more rewarding!
2. INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH
You can learn to embrace happiness and achieve inner peace simply by changing and incorporating some healthy habits into your life. Focus on nourishing your body rather than starving it or punishing it. Move your body and appreciate the amazing things your body can do rather than focusing on what you consider to be your “flaws.” Enjoy the outdoors; it can magically make your mind and your body feel so much better! When you’re ready to embark on a more conscious health journey, I suggest starting small and slowly incorporating change. Baby steps are necessary in seeking balance when it comes to sustainable healthy habits. When you feel good, you look good. After that, there’s almost nothing you can’t accomplish.
3. BE PREPARED TO WORK HARD FOR WHAT YOU WANT
That’s all it comes down to—the effort you put in, the resiliency you have against the world and the drive to learn, to grow, to succeed. What sets you on fire? What is it you love to do? Life will only change when you become more committed to your growth than you are to your comfort zone. Embrace the joy of learning and discover your passion in life!
4. PRACTICE SELF-FORGIVENESS
Easier said than done, but you must be ok with letting things go wrong before you allow things to go right. Life is made up of ups and downs, gives and gains, learning and letting go, patience and persistence. I encourage you to give yourself permission to fall and fail. This teaches you how to empower yourself to rise.
5. DO ONE GOOD DEED A DAY
This is one exercise we practice regularly as a family. I always ask my kids, what is one small thing you can do today to make the world a better place? Whatever it may be, go and do that. Help people in need and help people when they least expect it and without reason. Share the love with everyone!
6. FIND YOUR TRIBE & LOVE THEM HARD
Say no to toxic people and connect with positive, inspiring, encouraging people. Often a tribe can help provide you with insight that will support your ideas and shine clarity upon your hopes and dreams. Being part of a collective of people you click with can make you feel empowered and strong, enhancing your life and cultivating it with positivity.
7. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
Most people find that they themselves are at the bottom of their priority list, which is one of the greatest roadblocks to healthy living. While it’s true that consideration of others is important, looking after your own needs first will always allow you to look after others better. Begin by making a list of things you enjoy, then make the time to do some of them. Your “me time” should be as big a priority as anything else in your life. It will give you something to look forward to through those challenging days.
Johnna Holland is an AFAA-certified personal trainer, sports and fitness nutrition specialist and a consultant for the skincare company Rodan + Fields. She also competes in both the bikini and figure categories for the WNBF/OCB Fitness Federations. Holland lives on Nantucket with her husband and two sons.
