Published to Newsletter on Jan 24, 2022
What topped your New Year’s resolution list? Maybe it was to lose weight, start exercising or stop smoking. In addition to the post-holiday, back-to-work slump, not being able to keep your resolutions by February, March, or even late January may increase your anxiety.
The New Year isn’t meant to serve as a stage for comprehensive character changes. Instead, it should be a time for you to reflect on the past year’s actions and commit to making positive lifestyle changes. It is not the magnitude of the change that matters, but rather the significant act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one small, achievable step at a time, will get you there.
Here are a few tips to make 2022 different.
How many resolutions?
Limit yourself to one or two resolutions that you are determined to sustain. For example, if you want to exercise more, set your sites on a gradual start. Commit to a detailed plan. Jot down the amount of time, how often, and how long you will perform the activity.
For example, you could walk for 30 minutes a day for 2 to 3 days per week for the entire month of February. In March, add another day to your weekly routine. When the weather starts to warm up a bit in April, you can switch it up and add 10 to 15 minutes more time to your daily exercise routine, including your spring gardening in the mix.
Above all, make sure to do something you love. Enjoying the activity helps you to adhere to your commitment for longer.
Stay rooted in reality
By making your resolution or resolutions realistic, there is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year, thus incorporating healthy behavior into your life every day. If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt, instead of eating only broccoli as a way to improve your diet.
One change at a time
Less-than-healthy behaviors develop over the course of a lifetime. Improving these behaviors also requires time. Try not to overwhelm yourself. You do not have to change everything all at once. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a time. As soon as that behavior change becomes a part of a healthier lifestyle, select another behavior you would like to improve. Before you know it, you will have made a number of changes for the better, and you will be living a healthier lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed by sweeping changes.
Enlist a support partner
It may seem simple, but having a cheerleader in your corner can help you to reach your personal well-being aspirations. Share your experiences with family and friends. Realize that you can experience health benefits from having and increasing your support network will help you experience health benefits by sharing your struggles and successes. Having this partner can make your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much richer.
Be kind
Remember that perfection is not the goal. Slow and steady wins the race. Minor slipups are entirely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate that brownie or missed a scheduled day of exercising. Just vow to yourself that you will start back on the very next day. One hiccup shouldn’t derail your determination and commitment. Life throws us ups and downs all the time; resolve to recover quickly and get back on the road toward your goal.
Seek out resources
Accept help from those who care about you and who will listen. Resources like the ones you have in the Benefits & Employee Wellness team strengthen your resilience and ability to manage day-to-day stress and stay on your resolution path. Benefits & Employee Wellness is offering spring programming to include the Lifesteps Weight Management course, the Working with Positivity course, guided meditations, and complimentary consultations to help you as you strive to attain your health goals. We are here for you!
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