Most people set their New Year resolutions to get started on January 1. This day seems to have positive vibes on the body and mind and encourages you to get started on a serious note. So if you have weight loss in mind, you renew your gym membership and work out religiously. Smokers renew their vows to quit. However, as time progresses, family and work obligations may lead you to break these vows and it’s “Goodbye, resolutions” ’till next year. According to LIVESTRONG.com article, 45 percent of Americans set New Year’s resolutions and but less than half of these people maintain success longer than six months. Health and fitness resolutions are among the most common and, it seems, the least likely to stick.
While planning resolutions, try a trick that may seem counterintuitive – downsize your expectations, that is, don’t aim too high. You can’t rebuild your body or redesign your health in a single leap, but if you take enough baby steps, you can make big strides toward a healthier, happier, new you. Here are a few tips to stick to your resolutions.
- Set realistic goals: Always set realistic goals – this will make them more attainable. Trying to force yourself to do something you really don’t want to do will almost always lead to failure. For example, if your goal is weight loss, set a time frame – such as losing 10 pounds within 3 months. This would also be a healthy way to lose weight.
- Be specific: Be specific about what you are doing. Make sure you know what to do to reach your goal. If your resolution is to save money, behave accordingly. For example, you can take lunch to office and save the money that you would usually spend in a restaurant.
- Get support: Getting support can help you keep your resolutions. Make your family and friends your support system. Make someone aware of your goals and report to them regularly because you’re more likely to follow through if you have someone to report to and gain support from.
- Have a plan to deal with obstacles: Always have a backup plan to deal with the obstacles that might keep you from making your goal and figure out how to get around them. Avoid the situations that you might cause you to back off from what you have to do.
- Establish a healthy sleep routine: Getting a good night’s sleep is important to stay healthy and focused. Lack of sleep is associated with foggy thinking, reduced life quality and productivity and puts you at a heightened risk for chronic diseases, such as depression, diabetes, cancer and obesity.
- Make health your priority: Eating healthy and drinking lots of water can help keep disease at bay. Minimize the possibility of ordering take-outs by doing your own cooking and including healthy choices such as salads or wraps. Even if your goal is weight loss, indulging in food you enjoy once a month will not stand in the way of achieving your ultimate weight loss goal.
