All or Something give yourself some credit for small, healthy choices

A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a question of all or nothing. If you can take small, consistent steps to improve your wellbeing, then you’re on the right track. It’s the All or Something approach, championed by Ash Barty and Steph Gilmore, and it’s all about building healthy, realistic habits.

We’re often taught to see our health in black and white. If we can’t give our all, we might as well give up. But why should we be so hard on ourselves? The key to health and wellbeing isn’t ‘all or nothing’. It’s the small ‘somethings’ in between.

When it comes to forming healthy habits that last, our AIA Experts say consistency is key. It’s easier to start small with simple actions – because being consistently good is better than being occasionally perfect.

Have you ever bitten off more than you can chew with an overly rigorous exercise plan … and then found yourself making excuses? If it's raining outside you might tell yourself you can’t take your bike out today. Or if you sleep ten minutes past your alarm, you roll back into bed, reasoning that there’s no time now for your scheduled workout before work.

But something’s better than nothing! Try a rainy-day indoor HIIT session at home or cut some sets from your gym routine so you can still make it to work on time.

Every little bit helps. Exercise plays a major role in preventing the five non-communicable diseases that cause over 90 per cent of deaths in Australia. And best of all, the benefits have a lasting impact on your overall wellbeing.

A big takeaway from All or Something is to be kinder to yourself. Instead of giving up, give yourself some credit.

Didn’t hit your step count for the day? That’s fine – pat yourself on the back for the steps you did manage. Nobody’s perfect. And there’s always tomorrow to get back on track.

Don’t just take our word for it – studies show self-compassion can help you increase motivation to change.   

There’s a reason crash diets (or total diet replacements) and juice cleanses don’t work – they’re unsustainable and can even be harmful to your health. Instead of overhauling your diet, try changing one small thing at a time. Maybe it’s swapping soft drink for sparkling mineral water, or potato chips for air-popped popcorn. These small choices all add up to a healthier you.

Regular health checks are also an easy way to stay on top of your health. Instead of putting them off, make a plan to tick off one test every month. If you’re an AIA Vitality member, you can review a few important health categories – blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and body composition – all at the same time through the AIA Vitality Health Check. The best part? It’s free, and you can earn up to 7000 AIA Vitality Points in the process. 

Article 1: First steps: how AIA vitality changed hugh’s fitness levels forever
Article 2: Sam Gash: how I get the most from the AIA Vitality program (and how you can too)
Article 3: Sam Gash: 5 common running mistakes you’re probably making (and how to avoid them)

Disclaimer: This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.