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R is for Relapse
It happens to the best of us. You start on a path to better health by systematically increasing and maintaining a healthy, more active lifestyle that you know is good for you, only to falter and slip back into a state of relative inactivity. You feel weak-willed and now, as well as not being as slim and trim and fit as you set out to be, you feel bad about failing. ‘Why bother in the first place, I knew I couldn’t do this’ are the thoughts that occupy your mind. You are in relapse.
The first thing to do when you find yourself relapsing to an inactive stage is to understand that relapse is a normal process of habit formation. Very few people can make a meaningful change to their life and lifestyle on the very first go. Simply by understanding that you have not experienced a major failure – just a minor setback – is the first step in getting active once again.
Avoid high relapse situations. Unfortunately holidays can be one of these problem situations. Holidays, by plan, take us out of our normal routine. This is usually a good thing, but when it comes to breaking the activity or exercise habit it can be dangerous. Once out of the habit, be it your daily walk or your three-times-a-week trip to the gym, getting back into the routine can be a challenge. So pre-plan your activity into your holiday routine, after all, the major barrier to being active likely been removed – lack of time.
Your goal should be to incorporate physical activity into your regular habitual activities. There will be a few hiccups along the way, but do not despair, slip your shoes on and go for a walk.
Written by Professor Kerry Mummery
College of Health and Human Services
CQUniversity
