Lunar Year of the Snake: the slow and steady approach to health and wellbeing

Lunar Year of the Snake: the slow and steady approach to health and wellbeing
Dr Mike Edgley

As we embark on the next lunar year, year of the snake, lets embrace the same concepts of slow and steady to our health and wellbeing.

In today’s fast-paced world, the promise of quick fixes and instant results can be incredibly tempting. From crash diets to intense fitness boot camps, many people are drawn to rapid transformations.

But is the fast track always the best route to health and wellbeing? Often, the answer is no. The slow and steady approach offers numerous benefits that can lead to more sustainable and meaningful changes in our lives.

Understanding the slow and steady approach

At its core, the slow and steady approach is about making gradual, manageable changes to your lifestyle. It’s not about drastic overhauls or sudden shifts; it’s about creating habits that are sustainable over the long term. This method focuses on consistency, patience, and self-compassion.

Why slow and steady wins the race

Sustainability: quick fixes may provide immediate results, but they are often difficult to maintain. When you adopt a slow and steady approach, you’re more likely to develop habits that you can stick with for life. Whether it’s incorporating more vegetables into your diet, committing to regular physical activity, or practicing mindfulness, small changes made consistently over time add up to significant improvements.

Reduced stress: Rapid changes can be overwhelming and stressful. The slow and steady approach allows you to adapt gradually, minimising the stress that often accompanies lifestyle changes. This can lead to better mental and emotional wellbeing.

Prevention of burnout: Intense, short-term efforts can lead to burnout, making it difficult to maintain progress. By pacing yourself and setting realistic goals, you can avoid burnout and continue making steady progress without the risk of crashing and burning.

Improved habits: Building new habits takes time. By focusing on one small change at a time, you can better integrate new behaviours into your daily routine. This increases the likelihood that these changes will stick and become permanent parts of your lifestyle.

Self-compassion: The slow and steady approach encourages self-compassion. It recognises that change is hard and that it’s okay to have setbacks. This mindset can help you stay motivated and resilient in the face of challenges.

Practical tips for a slow and steady journey

Set small, achievable goals: Break your larger health and wellbeing goals into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you want to start exercising regularly, begin with a goal of walking for 10 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration as you build the habit.

Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognising your progress can help you stay motivated and focused on your journey.

Be patient: Understand that lasting change takes time. Be patient with yourself and give yourself grace as you work towards your goals.

Seek support: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Whether it’s friends, family, or online groups, having a support system can make a significant difference in your journey.

Stay flexible: Life is unpredictable, and there will be times when your progress slows, or you face setbacks. Stay flexible and adjust your goals as needed, but don’t give up on your overall vision.

The slow and steady approach to health and wellbeing may not offer the instant gratification of quick fixes, but it provides a more sustainable, less stressful, and ultimately more rewarding path to a healthier life.

By focusing on gradual, manageable changes and practicing self-compassion, you can build habits that will support your wellbeing for years to come.

Remember, it’s not about how fast you go, but about the journey and the long-term benefits you gain along the way. •

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