You know that living a healthy lifestyle is important. You’ve spent plenty of time and energy learning how to make a healthier you. Now, you want to share that with the people closest to you. The trouble is, they aren’t always receptive. There are, however, several things you can do to make it more likely that people will listen.
Phrase It Right
People simply don’t take advice well when it sounds like criticism. There’s no good way to say, “Your eating habits are no good,” or, “If you don’t start exercising soon, you’re may start having serious health problems.” On the other hand, sharing what has worked for you or discussing new things you’ve learned is a great way to open a conversation. It’s important not to make others feel threatened.
Get a Health Degree
There’s something about knowing that you have a degree in a particular field that makes people more likely to listen to what you have to say. Pursuing a degree in a health-related field is a great way to let people know that you understand what you’re talking about. Not only that, it enables you to turn your passion into a job.
Bide Your Time
You can’t force friends, family members, and other loved ones to want to get healthy. When they decide it on their own, however, you’re in the perfect position to start sharing information and offering advice. If you’re waiting to offer that perfect tip, save it until your loved one is ready to dive in and start getting healthier.
Lead By Example
You can be an encyclopedia of health and fitness information, and if you aren’t living the lifestyle yourself, people aren’t going to trust what you have to say. You don’t have to be the perfect picture of health who never touches a brownie. Following your own advice, however, is the first key to being trustworthy.
Show Off Your Skills
Do you have a perfect recipe for a black bean cake that tastes just like the real thing? What about a smoothie recipe that provides an energy kick without weighing you down? Bring them out for family gatherings or as snacks at your next guys’ night. Before you know it, people will be clamoring to know more!
Getting your friends and family on board with your fitness craze takes time. When you exercise patience and choose your words with care, however, they’ll be ready to join you before you know it.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about health, fitness, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing. Having a degree in health information management can give you the knowledge and skills necessary to help others live a healthy lifestyle.
