Ushering In a Healthy New Year!

As 2016 comes to a close, we look ahead with excitement and hope for a upcoming year filled with love, good health, peace, prosperity & joy. Often times we take an introspective approach as well, reflecting upon the past year and the good, the bad & the ugly. New Year’s resolutions come into play again, and new promises are made for improvements in various areas of our lives. More often than not, these resolutions include ways to be more active, live happier and eating healthy foods. No matter what you are looking forward to this New Year, there are ways to help ensure you achieve those goals.

According to the American Psychological Association, there are a few important things to remember as we say hello to 2017 with our New Year’s resolutions:

-Develop a plan you can stick with

This sounds rather obvious but you’d be surprised how many of us set totally unrealistic goals right off the bat.  For example, if you want to lose weight don’t set your goal as ‘no fried foods’ rather have an attainable goal such as ‘a small portion of fried foods once per week.’ You also may want to make it a positive goal such as “eating healthy meals two times a day” or whatever may be realistic for you.

-Start small

Again, this sounds pretty basic but you’d be surprised how many of us want to jump right into the deep end of the pool.  Wade in slowly, start shallow and work your way over.

-Change one behavior at a time

This is important as you don’t want to get overwhelmed…Rome wasn’t built in a day…you can’t expect to re-wire yourself and your behaviors overnight.

-Talk about it/Involve a buddy

I love this bit of advice as it adds a sense of community and friendship.  Often times accountability can be a very motivating factor and a ‘partner in crime’ can be of great value during this critical time when you want to form new behaviors.

-Don’t beat yourself up

Although you may stumble and falter, don’t be too critical of yourself.  There will always be successes and failures but if you stumble and fall a few times, don’t be discouraged.  Get up, dust yourself off and resume the plan…it’s ok.

-Ask for Support

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.  Friends/Family & Co-workers can provide a sense of safety and security during this transitional phase.  Make it a reciprocal relationship where you can support and encourage them with their goals as well.