How to Lure Your partner to start a Healthier Life
In many families, inviting each other to exercise, eat well or break bad listening habits is simple but... fails like a meal. One person is determined to change his life, the other is still loyal to fried foods and the familiar sofa. That deviation can easily create distance if not led skillfully and respectfully.
Don't force it, inspire with action
Your partner wont change if they feel controlled, emphasizes Dr. Sofia Mendes, a health psychologist at the University of Lisbon ( portugal). Sustainable change only comes when they feel safe and respected."
So, instead of starting with the sentence "You have to..." or "You should...", just do it quietly first. A warm morning's water glass, a low-fat dinner, or the invitation "Is 10 minutes of walking enough to breathe the mind?", those small things create a feeling of ease, no pressure.
When your partner sees you perseverant and happy with the new pace of life, they are easily taken away. The power of an example is always greater than the power of a reminder.
Turning change into a joint journey of two people
Instead of I have to be healthy to take care of my family, lets change to all be healthy to live together for a long time. It sounds like a play, but it puts your partner in a companion position, not forced.
The feeling of belonging to a team will help couples stick to their goals much better, says Dr. Mendes. So, set a balanced goal: exercise 20 minutes a day, reduce a glass of milk tea per week, sleep 15 minutes earlier. Achieving small goals brings a sense of victory, making it easier for the two to maintain.
Living healthy is not an individual race. It was a journey of two people holding hands, walking slowly but steadily, to keep their health and affection in the best condition.
