The New Year is the perfect time to make some resolutions that can help you create a healthy lifestyle. New Year’s feels like a new beginning for most people, that’s why many people make New Year’s resolutions to jump start health, nutrition, and fitness. Here are some tips on how to make those New Year’s Resolutions so that you stick to them to create a healthier “new you.”
Choose a specific goal
Instead of saying I will lose weight this year, try to set something more specific like losing 5 pounds each month by running or walking for 30 minutes each day. Make your goal realistic and achievable instead of drastic so that you can accomplish and then stick to your plan throughout the year. SMART is an acronym that can help you make the right goals. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time bound. It is helpful to think about these words and phrases when choosing a resolution, so that you can make sure it is the right goal for you and your lifestyle.
Plan it out
Don’t wait until the last minute to make a goal. Plan it out and think about what you want to accomplish over the year, not just within the first month. If you start working towards a goal without a plan, you may feel overwhelmed, hit resistance in reaching your goal, and will face setbacks, making it harder to keep your goal. Experts suggest that you brainstorm how you will tackle a major behavior change, including the specific steps you will take, why you want to do it, and ways you can keep yourself on track.
Change is a process
The unhealthy or undesired habits that you want to change probably took years to develop, so they won’t change overnight or even within a few weeks. Be patient, stick to your plan and keep your goal in mind. Understand that working towards your resolution is a process, and that even if you have some setbacks, you can still meet your goal. It may take longer than you want to achieve your goals, but if you do it the right way, you will most likely be able to stick with it for the long-term.
Get support
Having a support system is one of the most important things you can do to help you stay on track towards your goal. Having a friend, family member, or someone that has similar goals to you can make the challenging times easier. Having a support system is also important because they can help motivate, provide assistance as needed, and keep you accountable.
Think short and long term
Short term goals are usually related to long term goals in that they lead to them. However, short term goals are easier to keep and will help you stay motivated. Make many short-term goals that will lead you to your bigger long-term goals. Experts recommend keeping a journal so that you can track short-term and long-term goals easier.
Reward yourself
Rewards can provide motivation. However, your rewards should not contradict your resolution or goal. For example, if your goal is to lose weight by eating less sugar, then don’t reward yourself with cookies. Instead, reward yourself by purchasing a new outfit or doing something you don’t do often like go to the movies or out to eat with a friend.
Main Takeaway
In order to make healthy changes towards a “new you,” it is important that your New Year’s resolutions are challenging, but achievable. These resolutions are supposed to motivate you towards a healthier lifestyle. Resolutions are supposed to be a goal that is achieved by making the proper and necessary lifestyle changes. In addition, make sure that you are choosing goals that are meaningful to you and that will help you live a better life for the long-term.
References:
https://iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aphw.12172