Lifestyle Behavioral Change

illustration of human head with puzzle pieces depicting lifstyle behavioral change

course syllabus for Your Well-Being online health and wellness education course

Course Outline

Main Ideas

Learning Objective

Understand the psychological, environmental, and social factors that shape behavior and learn strategies to foster sustainable lifestyle changes.

Behavioral Objective

Develop and maintain health-promoting habits by setting realistic goals, addressing obstacles, and reinforcing resilience to overcome setbacks.

Key Thought

True behavioral change begins with understanding motivations and challenges, empowering you to build habits and practices that create lasting wellness.

Main Ideas

Learning Objective

Understand the psychological, environmental, and social factors that shape behavior and learn strategies to foster sustainable lifestyle changes.

Behavioral Objective

Develop and maintain health-promoting habits by setting realistic goals, addressing obstacles, and reinforcing resilience to overcome setbacks.

Key Thought

True behavioral change begins with understanding motivations and challenges, empowering you to build habits and practices that create lasting wellness.

Terms

Behavioral Change

noun

The process of modifying habits and actions to achieve positive health, wellness, and daily life outcomes.

Goal-Setting

noun

A structured approach to defining and achieving specific, measurable, and actionable personal growth and success objectives.

Habit

noun

Routines or behaviors performed automatically, often without conscious thought, that shape daily life and long-term outcomes.

Motivation

noun

The internal or external drive that prompts an individual to take action toward achieving a goal or satisfying a need.

Resilience

noun

The ability to recover quickly from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain progress toward goals despite challenges.

Terms

Behavioral Change

noun

The process of modifying habits and actions to achieve positive health, wellness, and daily life outcomes.

Goal-Setting

noun

A structured approach to defining and achieving specific, measurable, and actionable personal growth and success objectives.

Habit

noun

Routines or behaviors performed automatically, often without conscious thought, that shape daily life and long-term outcomes.

Motivation

noun

The internal or external drive that prompts an individual to take action toward achieving a goal or satisfying a need.

Resilience

noun

The ability to recover quickly from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain progress toward goals despite challenges.

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Activities

Introduction

Behavioral change is at the heart of lasting health and wellness. This module provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and transforming behavior by exploring the psychology of decision-making, goal-setting, and overcoming obstacles. By harnessing the power of habits and building resilient self-care practices, you'll learn to create meaningful, sustainable changes that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Article Body Text

1,000 - 2,500 words (3.3 to 8.3 minutes to read)
Minimum 3 Level 2 Headings
Minimum 1 Level 2 Heading supported by a minimum of 2 Level 3 Headings
Average 1 outbound authority link per 500 words to a credible health/wellness website

Identify Your Triggers

Objective: Recognize environmental and emotional triggers that influence your behaviors.

Keep a journal for one week, noting situations or emotions that lead to specific actions (e.g., snacking, skipping exercise).
Analyze patterns in your triggers and identify potential changes to your environment or responses.
Create a plan to address these triggers with healthier alternatives.

Set SMART Goals

Objective: Learn how to create realistic, actionable goals that align with your wellness journey.

Choose one area of improvement (e.g., nutrition, exercise, stress management).
Write a SMART goal: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Break the goal into smaller steps and track your progress over two weeks.

Build a New Habit

Objective: Understand the habit loop and apply it to develop a positive behavior.

Choose one small, health-promoting habit to build (e.g., drinking water before meals).
Identify a cue (trigger), routine (action), and reward (satisfaction) to create your habit loop.
Practice the habit daily for three weeks, tracking your consistency and results.

Overcome Obstacles

Objective: Develop strategies to handle setbacks and stay committed to your goals.

List three common obstacles you face when trying to improve your health (e.g., lack of time, cravings, negative self-talk).
Brainstorm solutions for each obstacle and create a plan to implement them.
Reflect on how overcoming these challenges can build resilience and reinforce progress.