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In a new year, it feels like you can hit the reset button and forget about all the bad things that have happened while simultaneously reflecting on the positives and how you can build off them.
For many people, a new year means promising themselves and their loved ones that they will be healthier.
It’s why you see gyms sponsoring New Year’s Eve parties and other events around this time of year: the most common New Year’s resolution is to be healthy.
Unfortunately, we don’t always keep this resolution. Sometimes it’s a lot harder than we think to find the time, motivation, and dedication to lead a healthier lifestyle.
That’s okay. Everyone falls victim to making promises they can’t keep. The only difference is that you can keep this promise — all you need is a little push.
Whether your goal this year is to lose weight, get more physical activity, or just simply get healthier, we’ve got some tips and tricks that will make sure you never break your resolution again.
Losing weight or getting fit have been some of the most common goals for people when the new year begins. You likely know someone who said this and ended up never following through. In years past, even you might have had a goal like this and forgotten about it soon after.
If you’re going for it again or for the first time, congratulations! The beginning is always the most challenging part, and you’re already on your way if you have this goal in mind.
Think back to when you first made this goal. Reflect on what compelled you to have this as a goal in the first place and what went wrong. Could you not find any time? Did you not have any motivation in place? Did you simply say, “I’m going to lose weight this year” without any planning?
Whatever the reason was for not following through, that’s the biggest thing you should change. Saying isn’t the same as doing, and lifestyle changes — especially weight loss — take a lot of preparation.
Plan out your movement routines. Prep your meals. Throw away all of the junk food in your home. Dedicate an hour out of your day to physical activity. Whatever it is you need to do — you can do it.
Everything above applies here as well. Preparation is key. If you’re serious and dedicated to losing weight and getting more physical activity, it should never feel like a chore. Planning your meals and routines days or even weeks in advance can be pretty fun.
Another good piece of advice is to take a deep breath and have some patience. The results won’t all come at once — it often takes four to six weeks to see visible changes, so all you have to do is stay on course.
Don’t freak out or lose motivation if you aren’t getting the results you want within the first few weeks. It takes time, and you’ll get there eventually.
Mental and physical health are both essential.
The two most common New Year’s resolutions are weight loss and improved self-care. Self-care can be anything from more time alone, more time with family and friends, picking up a new hobby, or getting rid of bad habits.
Many people attempt to try a new activity when the New Year begins, which is an excellent way to improve mental health.
Your new activity can be anything you’ve wanted to try for a long time or something you don’t think you do enough. Instruments, sports, cooking, reading, building, and collecting are great examples.
Pick up that cookbook that’s been collecting dust in your cabinets. Bring out that guitar or keyboard that you never use. Go to that recreational sports league you’ve wanted to try. You get the idea; regain old skills or try new ones.
Whatever your passion might be, find some time each day to practice this version of self-care. Even if it’s just a couple of minutes or a few hours, alone time or activities you enjoy with the people you love will go a long way in helping you improve your mental health.
On average, people will drop over 50% of New Year’s resolutions and goals after only one month. This is only a small sample study, and the number is believed to be a lot higher.
We’ve all been there.
This New Year, I want to…
We give a solid effort to complete this goal but often forget about it or give up after a few weeks.
Giving up on a goal can happen for various reasons, but one of the biggest is not holding yourself accountable. A great way to keep your New Year's goal is to inform your loved ones what your resolution is and kindly ask them for support, encouragement, and sometimes a little tough love.
If your goal is more private and you’d prefer not to share it, the responsibility will end up falling on you. But you don’t — and shouldn’t — have to do it alone.
For example, another popular resolution is to stop smoking. Your friends and family have told you to quit and you know how harmful it is.
Let a loved one know you're trying to quit, even if it’s just one person — like your best friend or a close family member. They can help you and offer as much support as you need. Conversely, if your friends or family members smoke, let them know you want to quit so they don’t offer you a light when they’re going out for a smoke break.
If you still prefer to keep your goal to yourself, we understand. Sometimes a goal can be too personal, and you don’t want to share. But your loved ones are loved ones for a reason.
Lean on someone when you need support — there is no shame in it.
There are a lot of important takeaways and tips that you can use to make this year your best year ever. Plan your resolution out. Try something new. Hold yourself accountable. Most importantly, seek out the help and support you need to reach your goals.
The journey might seem hard at some points, but you have it in you to keep pushing.
Able is a support system you can use to reach your health goals.
Can’t seem to stick to your goals, or can’t even figure out what they are? Able is here to help.
Sign up, set your goals, and get started on your journey towards a healthier and happier you. You can track calories, speak to dietitians, and join fitness challenges with Able.
The energy and anticipation of the New Year are unlike any other. Let Able capture some of this magic and help you achieve what you’ve tried and tried again: to be healthier.
It’s time to get to work. Good luck, and Happy New Year!
Sources:
The Most Common New Year's Resolutions | Homeland Security
