In an ideal world, everyday we could all eat a dozen donuts and a box of pizza after a long night out without suffering the consequences. The harsh reality is that this is not the way to a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand, a life that only consists of salads, gym workouts and journaling is also not the solution either. There is a happy median with a lifestyle commonly known as the “80/20 rule”— a way to get the best of both worlds.
What is the 80/20 rule
The concept is simple. Follow one lifestyle 80% of the time, and another for the other 20%. This idea can be put into the practice of dieting, going to the gym, relationships, study habits and having a social life. For the majority of the week, follow a lifestyle that is ideal for you. Something that is healthy and will meet all of your goals. With that leftover 20 %, treat yourself to things you enjoy— but probably aren’t the best for you. Go indulge in a cheat meal and go have a fun night out with your friends.
Benefits
Most diets and drastic lifestyle switches don’t work because they are not sustainable. If you automatically make a drastic lifestyle switch to try to better yourself, you will most likely fail. When taking a more modest approach, like the 80/20 rule, there are higher rates of success. The most obvious benefit is being able to still enjoy all of the guilty pleasures you love while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle and working towards your goals. There is flexibility to be able to be free at social events and mixers while still being true to what you are working for.
How to implement
To get started the first step is to think about the lifestyle you want to have. Common ideas are a routine that include going to the gym, eating balanced meals and setting aside time for focused study time. Make that the 80— or any modified version to fit your goals. For the rest of the time, indulge in the things you love guilt free. No, you probably shouldn’t go to the bar seven nights a week, but there is no harm in being there 20% of the time.
Relationships
The 80/20 rule is also commonly applied to relationships. It is near impossible to find a significant other or friend that enjoys doing 100% of the same things as you. So the 80/20 rule also applies here to explain that you can get 80% out of somebody and find the other 20% elsewhere. If you have a friend group that loves to go to the gym and study together, but prefers to stay in on a Friday night, you can find another group to go out with to fill that 20%.
Let us know your version of the 80/20 rule by tagging us on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
Related
http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/life-of-a-retired-party-girl/
http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/guide-to-the-perfect-night-in/
http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/how-to-create-the-perfect-nighttime-routine/
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