Make a nutrition mantra.
For success, a positive mindset is important, as is the right phrase. If you’re starting out 2021 with an eye to improving nutrition, consider an uplifting, actionable mantra to guide your journey. “It should be affirmative, not something negative or framed as ‘should,’” says Krista Schaus, a master coach with Precision Nutrition in Ontario, Canada. She notes that you may need to tinker with a phrase to make it your own.
“If it’s too long or the words don’t connect with you strongly, it’s no good,” says Jonathan Dick, Equinox’s London-based nutrition education lead and Tier X coach. Some recommendations: ‘Remember my why,’ or ‘I’m doing this for me.’ Incorporate the affirmation into your routine or summon it as needed, throughout the day or before a meal. You could write it in a journal or email, or post it on the refrigerator.
Recover faster to train harder.
Today, The Shop launches Recover At Home—a collection of three types of recovery tools: percussive (Hyperice Hypervolts), compressing (NormaTec sleeves for legs, hips, and arms), and stimulating (PowerDot electric muscle stimulator). “By utilizing the proper recovery tools, you can recover faster to train harder,” says Annie Walters, The Shop’s VP of retail. “Percussive technology can combat muscle tightness pre- and post-workout, while compression is amazing after long workouts to help you recover. (I used it religiously on my legs when training for my first half Ironman.) PowerDot heals muscular injuries while aiding in regeneration.”
Self-reflect daily.
The first step to becoming more wise is to improve your self-reflection, says Dilip Jeste, MD, senior associate dean at the University of California San Diego and author of Wiser. Follow these steps:
1. Schedule reflection time daily, even if it’s a few minutes, and ID important questions for yourself.
2. Find a reflection process that works for you, whether it’s journaling, talking with a friend, or long walks alone.
3. Begin to attempt answering those questions. You don’t have to like or agree with what you’re thinking, you only need to examine it.