Realistic New Year’s resolutions you can set for a healthier you
Chances are, you’ve already set a few goals for 2017. It’s easy to envision a new, healthier you while the ball is dropping, the confetti is being tossed and you’re in good company with friends and family who have their own resolutions. But if you’re like most Americans, you’ll discover quickly what a challenge it is to stick to your resolutions. In fact, only 8 percent of Americans are likely to keep their commitments throughout the year.
So what can you do to be part of the 8 percent? Set realistic goals. While it’s great to reach for the stars, you’ll also be more likely to give up if there aren’t any results. So before your resolutions are set in stone, make sure they’re manageable and measurable. Setting realistic benchmarks of success along the way will help keep you accountable and motivated throughout the year.
Here are examples of realistic resolutions to help get you inspired:
- Instead of “eating healthier,” try “add a salad to every meal.” Eating healthier is vague and hard to measure, which makes it difficult to keep you accountable. When you specify what it means to eat healthier, such as adding a salad to every meal, cutting out desserts or packing fruit for lunch, you’ll be able to turn the resolution into a habit.
- Instead of “workout more,” try “go for a 15-minute walk daily.” Similarly, it’s important to set specific goals when it comes to fitness. If you don’t currently work out, don’t aim to run a 5k within the first month. Stretch out your goals throughout the year. Start small and gradually increase your goals. Start with walking. If you’re able to, gradually start to run. Bring a friend and keep each other accountable.
- Instead of “get more rest” try “take one day each week to rejuvenate.” Sometimes, stress can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. Aim for a healthier you by making sure to pencil in some quality me-time every week to rejuvenate. Set a specific day and time aside so you’ll be less likely to compromise your need to rest.
- Instead of “lose 20 pounds” try “lose 5 pounds by February.” It’s good to set a big goal, but if you do, make sure to set mini goals along the way. Being able to celebrate the little victories in between will keep you motivated to reach your big goal by December. Break up your resolutions into realistic mini-goals so you can measure the success along the way.
- Instead of “gain more strength” try “do 3 hours of therapy a day.” If you’re a senior looking to improve your independence, it’s important for you to have the strength you need to enjoy a healthy life. Try doing a specific amount of therapy a day to improve your strength, or request a referral to a local physical and occupational therapy group.
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Committing to New Year’s resolutions is possible when you set realistic goals. Whether it’s healthy eating or emotional health, make sure your resolutions are specific, measurable and possible. Not sure where to start? Share this blog with a friend and come up with New Year resolutions together. It’s never too late to become a healthier you.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, IT DOES NOT CREATE A PHYSICIAN-PATIENT OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP, AND IT SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED OR RELIED UPON AS MEDICAL ADVICE OR OPINION. EACH HEALTH CONDITION IS UNIQUE AND SHOULD BE EVALUATED, DIAGNOSED AND/OR TREATED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF COMPETENT PROFESSIONALS.