Summary Writing Exercises

Summary Writing Exercises-2

Read the passage below and list six tips for forming new healthy habits.

Forming New Healthy Habits

Have you ever tried to form a new habit, like exercising more or eating better? As the days passed, was it difficult to keep it up? Many people try to create new habits, but don’t succeed. A typical example of this is when people make New Year resolutions such as ‘I shall walk two kilometers every day’ or ‘I shall not eat junk food this year’ and then break their resolutions within a week. But the fact is it is possible to form and continue healthy habits. Here are some tips on how to form habits successfully.

A new habit is easier to start, and continue with, if you link it to something that you already do. For example, while you’re brushing your teeth, you could exercise by doing squats. Doing this every day will help to burn a few extra calories, as well as strengthen muscles. Or you can take a walk while attending a phone call. It’s also a good idea to start with something small to make the new habit as easy as possible in the beginning. So, rather than re-planning your whole diet, putting some fruit in your bag every day will probably be a better way to form healthier eating habits. Or you could just park your car a little farther from your office and walk to the office.

Scientists have discovered that it takes around 70 days for an action to become a habit. This means it’s harder to make something habitual if you only do it once or twice a week. It is very true that consistency is key when it comes to building new, healthy habits. Deciding on manageable things that you can do regularly is, therefore, good advice to follow. Sometimes, however, things happen that prevent us from being able to do what we have planned. For example, a lot of homework might make it impossible to go jogging or swimming or do any other planned activity. Or you may have to make dietary adjustments while travelling. Successful people think around problems like this that block us from progressing, and they find a way to make it work. If you can’t leave the house to go and exercise, then change the plan and exercise at home instead. There are many ways to exercise at home nowadays. You could invest in a good quality treadmill and dumbbells. Nowadays treadmills that incorporate the facilities to watch movies are available in the market. Many people opt for having a full-fledged gym at home. Even if there is no equipment, there are forms of physical activities such as yoga and Tai chi that are very beneficial to mind and body.

It's important to reward yourself for any success you have until the new habit is established. For example, if you successfully complete a month of not eating junk food, you can reward yourself with something you love. Another useful piece of advice is to ask someone to record your progress, so that you are accountable to that person. This way you, and they, will be able to see how well you’re doing and this will make you feel even more motivated to continue!

Tips for forming new healthy habits:

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Using the information in your notes, write a summary of the tips for forming a new healthy habit, in no more than 60 words (NOT including the introductory words given).

You could begin like this:

To form a new healthy habit successfully,

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