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Activities for a Health Support Group

Starting a program to make healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes be a frustrating and lonely experience. Join a health support group to get encouragement and support from others who are working toward the same health goals. Support group members can help one another tackle daily challenges and achieve success.

  1. Nutrition Challenge

    • Group members interested in better nutrition can form a nutrition challenge. Choose a start date and list the nutritional goals you would like to achieve in the first month. For example, a goal may be to reduce your daily soda pop consumption or to snack on more fruit. Each member writes down what he ate or drank each day of the challenge and everyone shares their progress with the group on a weekly or monthly basis. Offer encouragement as others read their daily food logs aloud.

    Exercise Brainstorming

    • Many people find exercise to be challenging or even boring. Hold a group brainstorming session for new exercise ideas to get members excited about movement. Members can share interesting places to walk, such as malls or nature trails. Some people may suggest joining an ethnic dance class with other group members or trying a new sport. Others could benefit simply by having a buddy go swimming or jogging with them. Make sure every group member is encouraged to take part in the discussion by calling on everyone for suggestions.

    Stress Reduction

    • Have all group members keep a stress journal. Have each person list the places, activities and times of the day that cause the most stress. Have group members bring in their journals and form a circle. Each member takes turns reading aloud their stressors. Group members who have undergone similar experiences can offer coping mechanisms or discuss possible solutions. Have group members encourage each other and offer support.

    Smoking Cessation

    • Members of a support group focused on quitting smoking may benefit from having a smoking-cessation buddy. Put all group members' names in a hat and have each pick a name of a person who will be a buddy. Have members exchange email or phone numbers with one another and vow to contact the other when the urge to smoke hits. Have group members share ideas for other hobbies or stress-reduction tips they will be using when the need for a cigarette arises.

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