Building Your Support Network for Lasting Health Changes

By joining Roczen, you have already taken a significant step towards making lasting changes for better health. While the convenience of our online support and resources is invaluable, the encouragement from people in your daily life can significantly boost your chances of success. 

The foundation of gaining support starts with open communication. Share your commitment and goals with those close to you, i.e. family, friends, and colleagues. Explain what motivated you to join and what you hope to achieve. People who understand your goals are more likely to offer support and encouragement. This transparency also sets the stage for communicating your needs more effectively.

Gaining support from people around you

As you begin your journey, be specific about how others can support you. Here are some key ways to engage your support network:

• Respect for new eating habits and food/drink choices
• Joining you to do physical activity (i.e. workouts, walks, team sports
• Offering words of encouragement 
• Helping to create a supportive home environment

Don't hesitate to invite the people around you to participate. Encourage them to join you in adopting healthier habits, even if they're not part of the programme. Cooking nutritious meals together or going for walks can create a supportive atmosphere and make your lifestyle changes feel more inclusive.

While seeking support from those around you, remember to leverage your Roczen community, too. Engage with your mentor group by sharing your experiences, challenges, and victories. This virtual support network can provide understanding and motivation, especially from those on a similar journey. The combination of digital and real-life support creates a powerful environment for success.

As you progress, take the opportunity to educate your circle. Share insights and information you've gained from your digital programme. This helps others understand your choices and positions you as a source of valuable health knowledge, potentially inspiring those around you.

It's important to remember that not everyone may immediately understand or support your new lifestyle. Politely but firmly establish boundaries with individuals who may unintentionally sabotage your efforts without realising. Explain why certain things you did in the past are not helpful (e.g.. socialising at the pub), and suggest alternative ways they can show support (e.g. socialising at coffee shops or by doing activities together). Additionally, help your loved ones understand the importance of your engagement and goals. 

Celebrate success:

Celebrating your achievements is an essential part of the journey. Include your support network in these celebrations by:

• Sharing progress updates
• Organizing small gatherings for milestones
• Expressing gratitude for their support
• Showcasing new healthy recipes or activities you've learned

These moments of recognition boost your motivation and help your support network feel involved and invested in your success.

As you continue on this path, express gratitude regularly to those who support you. Appreciation goes a long way in reinforcing supportive behaviours and strengthening your relationships. Remember that every person you educate about your goals becomes a potential ally in your quest for better health.

Summary:

Creating a supportive online and offline environment is key to your success. By actively engaging with those around you and leveraging the support of your Roczen community, you're setting yourself up for long-term success. As you progress, your efforts not only transform your own life but also positively influence those around you, creating a ripple effect of health and wellness.

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