It’s officially a brand new year, and while many of us make health-related New Year’s resolutions to jumpstart our well-being, it can be challenging to stick to big changes. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips you can follow to help you stick to your resolutions.
1. Keep Track of Your Goals in a Journal
One way to stay on track with your resolutions is to keep track of your progress in a journal. Writing down your goals and tracking your progress can help to keep you accountable and motivated. You can also use your journal to reflect on any challenges or setbacks you may have encountered and to brainstorm ways to overcome them.
2. Stay Active by Playing With Your Kids
Staying active is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, and it’s important to find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. One fun way to stay active is by playing with your kids. The relationships that children build with the world around them are the foundation for the development of their personality, and playing together can help to strengthen these bonds while also keeping you active.
3. Set Specific and Measurable Goals
Another key to sticking to your health-related resolutions is to set specific and measurable goals. Vague goals, such as “eat healthier,” can be difficult to track and may not provide enough motivation to stay on track. Instead, try setting specific goals, such as “eat at least two servings of vegetables per day” or “exercise for at least 30 minutes three times per week.” By setting specific and measurable goals, you can track your progress and see the tangible results of your efforts, which can help to keep you motivated. It’s also a good idea to set short-term and long-term goals so that you can celebrate small victories along the way and stay motivated for the long haul.
4. Take Advantage of Your Annual Cleanings
According to Colgate, up to 48% of Americans are unhappy with their teeth. If improving your smile is on your list of resolutions you want to make in the new year, consider taking advantage of your six-month cleanings. Taking care of your dental health is an important aspect of overall health, and it’s important to make sure you visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
Additionally, cleanings can help you save money in the long run. For instance, there are four different types of dental bridges that your dentist can recommend if your teeth aren’t in the best shape, which can help to prevent needing pricey procedures like a root canal or extraction.
5. Incorporate Healthy Habits Into Your Daily Routine
Another way to help you stick to your health-related resolutions is to make healthy habits a part of your daily routine. This can be as simple as incorporating a few minutes of stretching or meditation into your morning routine or packing a healthy lunch to take to work instead of eating out. By making healthy habits a part of your everyday routine, they will become easier to maintain over time.
6. Find a Support System
It can be easier to stick to your resolutions if you have a supportive network of friends and family to encourage and motivate you. Surrounding yourself with people who share similar goals and values can help to keep you on track and provide the support you need to stay motivated. You can also seek out support from professionals, such as a coach or a therapist if you need additional guidance or motivation.
7. Be Realistic and Flexible
It’s important to be realistic when setting your health-related resolutions and to set goals that are achievable and sustainable. It’s also important to be flexible and to allow yourself room to make mistakes. If you have a setback or encounter a challenge, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, try to learn from the experience and adjust your approach as needed.
Overall, sticking to your health-related resolutions requires a combination of planning, commitment, and a willingness to adapt. By following these tips and finding fitness strategies that work for you, you can make lasting improvements to your health and well-being in the new year.
