A new year is right around the corner, and with it, the pressure to make and keep resolutions.
“By keeping your goals simple and realistic, you can set yourself up for a successful year,” says Merry De Leon, MD, FABPN, a psychiatrist and Medical Director at Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. “Focus on what matters to you, and choose no more than two or three resolutions,” she says.
Common resolutions include losing weight, working out more and getting to bed earlier, says Whitney O’Connor, Director of Business Development at Aurora. “But many people try to do too much, and then suddenly, by mid-January, a feeling of overwhelm and defeat creeps in,” she says. “There’s a reason why gyms and fitness centers are so crowded the first couple of weeks in January. Everyone has great intentions, but by the end of the month, it is usually back to its normal volume.”
Make Mini-Resolutions
People tend to just give up due to being overwhelmed, especially when it comes to losing weight, explains O’Connor. “Someone might have a resolution to lose 50 pounds, which is a huge undertaking. But if you break it down into mini-resolutions, such as losing five pounds a month, it is much more achievable and realistic,” she says. “And accomplishing that five pound loss by the end of the month will give you more motivation to keep going!”
Keeping It Real, Keeping It Simple
Check out the following suggestions to keep you motivated for the whole year.
MIX IT UP.* Try a new fitness routine, like yoga or tai chi. It not only improves your strength, flexibility and posture, but lowers your blood pressure and pulse rate.
START SLOW AND WORK YOUR WAY UP.* When beginning a new fitness routine, don’t try to do the maximum the first day. This can lead to sore muscles and possible injury, which can only slow down your progress. Also be sure to warm up and cool down properly.
GET MORE SLEEP. Aim for about six to eight hours of sleep each night. Don’t forget to turn off electronics at least an hour before bed.
JUST SAY “NO.” We live in a culture of being overcommitted, and many people have a hard time saying “no” to all kinds of requests. “Saying ‘yes’ when you really want to say ‘no’ only causes you more stress,” says Dr. DeLeon.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW. There are plenty of websites that offer opportunities to join craft, sport or hobby groups, from amateur level to professional.
MEDITATE. It is great for relieving stress, increasing self-awareness and reducing negative emotions. It also teaches you mindfulness, which is being attentive to what is happening at the present moment. And, there are many free online resources to learn meditation.
CUT THE SUGARY DRINKS – DRINK MORE WATER. Staying properly hydrated is crucial to the body and the brain. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day helps reduce inflammation, aids in kidney function and promotes cognitive processes.
*Check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new routine.
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