Identifying Activity Cues

For many of us, there are may be things around us that lead to being inactive. For instance, after a meal, many of us find it comforting to relax on the couch and watch TV. This is because we have established inactivity cues that pair TV and the end of a meal together. Instead, take control and take a walk after a meal and establish a more positive cue, a more active cue. Remember, repetition of better habits will establish better activity cues over time.

What are some positive activity cues you add to your life?

• In the living room, keep an exercise bike in front of the TV or exercise equipment in sight to make yourself more likely to use them
• Try subscribing to a health or fitness magazine
• Put reminders and notes to remind yourself to exercise, maybe on your mirror or your refrigerator
• Set alarms on your watch or phone to remind yourself to take a walk
• Set up a regular “date” to be active with a loved one or friend.

You have the power to make food and activity cues work FOR you, not against you!