How do we get back on track after a holiday, after an injury, after a hectic few months of work, after a new baby? During these times we may have fallen into bad habits or picked up behaviours that may negatively influence our health. It is a tough road to travel especially finding where to start. We move through stages of behaviour change and understanding these stages may just cause the shift to a healthier, happier you. 

Stage 1 is the precontemplation stage. If you are at this point you may not be very interested in hearing about negative consequences or advice to change your behaviour. Eventually, though the negative consequences of poor nutrition and lack of exercise will start to show and possibly push you towards the next stage. 

Stage 2 is the contemplation stage. Contemplation specifically refers to the stage at which you begin to think about changing, cutting down or moderating. You start to see a need to change as the consequences of your current behaviour start to show. Here you are generally more open to learning about different strategies for controlling or changing certain behaviors, without committing to a specific approach or even to making a change. This stage may last for a short while or as long as years. 

Stage 3 is the preparation stage. Here you move forward to planning and preparing for carrying out changes you have contemplated. Now it is about finding the resources and support needed to create action. 

Stage 4 is the action stage. This is the stage at which a real change in behaviour starts happening. The action stage is an exciting time that gives way to new options. It is doing the do. It might be getting active or improving your diet. This is where the real change will occur.

Stage 5 is the maintenance stage. This stage is about continuing to achieve the progress that began in the action stage. This means upholding the intentions made during the preparation stage and the behaviors introduced in the action stage. 

Where are you at right now? Getting to the maintenance stage is quite an achievement, there is no real secret to it just hard work, determination and commitment. 

Angela Saville
Savvy Fitness