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The #CommunityChallenge is over, and over 25,000 Texans formed new healthy habits during the Challenge. From exercising more, eating healthier foods, to drinking more water you worked hard to transform health across Texas. Don’t let that hard work go to waste! Use the tips below to maintain a healthy lifestyle even after Community Challenge!

Set New, S.M.A.R.T. Goals

When you started the #CommunityChallenge you may have set some goals for yourself. Now is a great time to reflect on those goals and set new ones. Taking stock of healthy goals and the progress you made every few weeks is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should also try setting S.M.A.R.T goals. That is, goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. For example, a regular goal might be to exercise more. A S.M.A.R.T. goal would go further and be to go for a 30-minute walk three times a week.

Be Accountable to Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Did you know you are more likely to stick to your goals when you tell them to someone? This holds you accountable to yourself and others. So, after setting updated S.M.A.R.T. goals share them! Write them down for yourself, share with friends and family, or get a coach! The Living Healthier coaches can hold you accountable through weekly phone calls. Living Healthier is free, bilingual, and confidential. So even if you’re not ready to share your goals with everyone you still have someone cheering you on and holding you accountable.

Engage Your Community!

When you are part of a healthy community you will be able to support each other. If you face a set-back your community will be able to support you. And when you experience wins your community will cheer you on! If you haven’t found a community to help maintain a healthy lifestyle year-round start small! Ask your family and close friends to join you in your health journey. Join or start a club or group that is committed to goals similar to yours, like a walking group, gardening, or cooking club. Find a weekly workout class that works with your lifestyle and become friends with the people who go every week!

Living a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong journey. #CommunityChallenge was just the start but with these tips you can continue on your path to health! If you started on or continued transforming your health during Community Challenge and have a success story, we’d love to hear it! Share your story here!