We've all been there. Stressful weeks leave us burnt out, we fall off the wagon, and sleep becomes a distant memory. We tell ourselves: "I'll get back on track next week."

While this "pause button mentality" might seem okay, it can actually be a major roadblock to achieving your well-being goals.

What's the problem with pressing the pause button? Let me explain. The idea of hitting pause reinforces the belief that a healthy lifestyle is an all-or-nothing game. You're either perfectly mindful, crushing pilates sessions and meal prepping every Sunday, or you're completely off track. This mentality is not only demotivating, but it also makes it harder to get back into a healthy routine. The longer the "pause," the more daunting it feels to restart. Think about starting a fire from a tiny flame vs from no flame at all....

My solution? The Dial Method. It's all about progress, not perfection. How does it work? Instead of viewing healthy habits as a switch (on or off), think of them as a dial you can adjust. Life throws a curveball? Turn the dial down a notch. Don't beat yourself up if you can't meditate for an hour – a few mindful minutes are still beneficial.

Here's how you can use the dial method for different aspects of your well-being:

Stress Management: Feeling overwhelmed? Dial it down by Practicing 5 minutes of deep breathing exercises instead of your usual 20-minute meditation session. Can't carve out time for a yoga class? A short guided meditation on your phone can still help you unwind.
Sleep: Long workdays throw off your sleep schedule? Dial it down by prioritizing an earlier bedtime for the rest of the week, even if it means sacrificing an extra episode of your favorite show.
Movement: Don't have time for your usual gym session? Dial it down by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or by doing a quick bodyweight workout at home. Every bit of movement counts!

What are the benefits of the Dial Method:?

Sustainable Progress: Making small, consistent efforts towards well-being is more achievable than aiming for perfection and inevitably falling short. It's about progress, not perfection.
Less Discouragement: When you view setbacks as adjustments rather than failures, you're less likely to get discouraged. A missed workout or a late night doesn't derail your entire journey; it's just a dial adjustment.
Adaptability: Life is unpredictable. The dial method allows you to adapt your healthy habits to your ever-changing needs.

Will you ditch the pause button mentality and embrace the dial method?

Remember, even small efforts add up over time. Small tweaks are better than no tweaks at all!

What are some healthy habits you can "dial down" when life gets busy? Hit reply and let me know!

Making these changes can be tough, but you don't have to go it alone. As a nutrition, mindset, and wellness coach, I've developed tools to help you seamlessly integrate these new habits into your life.