We’re not claiming to be the pinnacle of perfect health, but whether it’s a friend, family member, or significant other, many of us have a loved one who needs a nudge in the right direction. Maybe it’s someone who could get off the couch more often. Or add some leafy greens to their diet. Perhaps drink a little less or give up smoking?
As you’ve probably learned, there are right ways—and wrong ways—to encourage others to adopt healthier habits. If you want to help someone if your life make a positive change in 2016, here are six ways to do so (without coming off as a condescending jerk).
1. Clear up misconceptions.
There’s a lot of info out there about health and wellness, so cut through the static for your friends and family. For example, many people believe that to fit in exercise, you have to go to a gym—and it has to hurt, says Heather Hausenblas, Ph.D., a kinesiology professor at Jacksonville University. “That’s simply not true. Just go for a walk or find an activity you enjoy.” (Maybe an Angry Birds or Star Wars workout is more your thing.)
The same illogic…