It’s that time of year again. People are looking over their lives and deciding what changes they want to make in the new year. Resolutions are being made, and according to this website three of the top five resolutions in 2018 were focused on health.
We all know how most resolutions go. You start off January with the best of intentions, but then you fall off the wagon and wind up paying for a gym membership for a whole year that you only used for a month. It happens. But, this year could be different.
Here are three tips for helping you keep your health resolutions in 2019.
Realistic Resolutions
It all starts with the resolutions you make. Each resolution should follow SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goal criteria. If your resolution is to “lose some weight,” don’t just leave it at that. Try “lose 20 pounds by June 1, through eating healthier and exercising four times per week.”
Setting up your resolutions using SMART goal criteria ensures you’re making realistic goals. It keeps you accountable for your actions through measurable increments and gives you a hard deadline, so you don’t put your health on the back burner.
Small Changes
You can’t expect yourself to wake up on January 1 and be a new person, who likes to eat kale and enjoys jogging. Unfortunately, resolutions don’t work that way. The best way to stick to a new health plan is to start small.
For example, if you’re wanting to eat healthier, start by adding vegetables to some of your favorite dishes, limiting sweets, and choosing better options, like whole wheat pasta. You’re more likely to stick with the small changes, rather than starting a crash diet that ends up with you binging an entire pizza.
After you’ve adjusted to these small changes, you can continue make improvements and try new things. Incremental changes allow you to make strides a little at a time and keep you from falling back into old habits.
Professional Help
Sometimes even the most specific and achievable resolutions seem impossible because you don’t know where to start. You don’t have to tackle them alone. There are so many healthcare professionals available to help you with your goals this year.
If you’re looking to exercise more, you can talk to a trainer. If you’re wanting to eat healthier, set up a meeting with a dietician. If you’re wanting to better manage your medications or finally look into something that’s been bothering you for a while, make an appointment with your local physician.
Professionals, like these, have the knowledge and skills to help you achieve your goals and live a happier, healthier life.
What are your health resolutions for 2019? Share in the comments below! And if you’re looking for someone to help you get started on a happier healthier lifestyle, come by the clinic. We’d be happy to help you get the year started right!