It’s all around you wherever you turn. Work out more. Eat better. Take control of your health. But often you don’t even know where to start or the steps you need to take to achieve a lifestyle that is better for your well-being.

Here are three areas to focus on when starting your journey to becoming a healthier you.

Start a fitness routine – Exercise can seem daunting and overwhelming if you are just starting out, but there are practical ways to squeeze in a workout. Take the stairs at work or walk to places that are a mile or less away. You can even make it a date and workout with a friend. Strength (with a side of accountability) in numbers, right?

If you don’t have a regular gym partner, see if your gym offers personal trainers. When it comes to a lifestyle change, it’s not one-size-fits-all, it’s personal. A personal trainer will work with you to create a specialized fitness program unique to you that will help you meet your personal goals, together!

Healthy eating – In a world of so many delicious foods, who wants to feel restricted? But a balanced diet doesn’t have to be a prison of counted calories and bland meals. Fueling your body with the right ingredients can fuel your desire to work out and convert those junk food cravings to healthier alternatives over time.

Pro tip from Youfit’s registered dietician, Lindsey Gass: Start with small changes that you know are realistic, like cutting down how much fast food you eat to only once a week. That’s something you can keep up until it’s a habit. Once the habit becomes a lifestyle, you don’t have to keep starting over because you’re more aware of your meal choices.

Mental relief – Developing a healthy lifestyle requires a mindset shift. When feeling down and out, you may not be in the mood to work out or eat right, but there are healthy ways to take care of the mind while being kind to your body. Take a walk. Get some “me time” to destress while you walk around your neighborhood or a local park and appreciate nature. Staying active helps to release the endorphins that make us feel happy. On the other hand, you can take a yoga class that allows you to turn your brain off and just breathe as you flow through several poses and stretches that help increase blood flow through your body. No matter how you choose to give yourself that mental relief, understand that it is a necessary and important stepping stone toward your overall health.

If you’re looking for a community of people to keep you accountable on your journey to fitness and better health, visit your local Youfit gym. Learn more at Youfit.com