Running is an integral part of daily routines of many fit people. It not only helps them stay healthy, but also makes them enthusiastic about life. Once you get into the habit of running, you hardly feel like giving it up. That’s when all the excuses like lack of time and a jam-packed schedule slowly start fading away.
Developing bad habits is relatively easier than developing good ones. To develop a good habit, it’s essential to break it down into smaller milestones and achieve them one by one. It makes it easier for you to accept the change gradually and make efforts towards developing a new habit.
Here are steps to gradually develop a daily running habit:
1. Prepare yourself mentally.
A significant part of your problem of not being able to do something is a mental block. Just because you think you can’t do it, you struggle to do it for real. Start by preparing yourself mentally. This could include anything like putting up motivational posters, setting more than one alarms or anything that helps motivate you.
2. Wake up early.
If you develop the habit of waking up early, rest everything will fall in place. Since mornings are the best time to run, you must try waking up early so that you get enough time to run. Most of us hate mornings and the alarm clock, but it’s essential to wake up early and go running to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
3. Watch what you eat.
Your diet not only plays a significant role in determining your health, but it also acts as the primary factor in deciding your level of laziness. If you eat too much junk that’s rich in carbohydrates and complex sugars, you’re more likely to feel lethargic and burned out. So include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, and keep the junk options away.
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4. Start with a casual stroll.
Running might look like an uphill task for the first couple of days. To get yourself used to the whole process, start with a casual stroll first and once you start enjoying it, you can gradually start running. Try to avoid congested roads and find a route that’s slightly greener and less crowded.
5. Buy new running shoes.
Buying a new pair of running shoes is a great way of motivating yourself to run. Buy yourself a pair that fits well, is comfortable enough and has your favorite color. Keeping them in your sight will act as a reminder to you, and more than the excitement to run, you’ll be more excited about running in your new shoes.
6. Find a companion.
The best way to ensure that you run daily without fail is by finding a companion for yourself. Find someone who either loves to run or is a beginner like you. Having a friend or family member as your daily running companion is highly motivating.
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7. Reward yourself.
Developing the habit of running every day can be quite difficult in the beginning. One of the best tricks to keep yourself motivated is to reward yourself every time you run. It could be anything from giving yourself an extra hour of sleep, your favorite snack to anything that motivates you.