01/22/2016
The New Year is a great time for you to reflect on your health behaviors over the past year and, if needed, make positive lifestyle changes in 2016. But New Year’s Resolutions can be daunting. You may have the best intentions but when resolutions start to slip by late January, February or March, your anxiety can grow, hindering your success. Try some of these tips to help you stay on track this year.
MAKE YOUR RESOLUTIONS REALISTIC.
There is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year – allowing you to incorporate healthy behaviors into your everyday life. Weight loss goals should target 1-2 lbs per week. More aggressive targets can make you feel unsuccessful in your efforts and lead you to quit before reaching your goals.
SHARE YOUR GOALS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Your loved ones cannot be supportive of your efforts if they don’t know what you are trying to accomplish. This will also let your friends know why you aren’t eating the birthday cake they brought into work or joining them for your normal cigarette break. This will help spare hard feelings.
REMEMBER, PERFECTION IS UNATTAINABLE.
Minor missteps, when working toward your goals, are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped the gym for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your missteps and get back on track.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE SIMILAR GOALS.
Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as a workout class at your gym or a group of coworkers quitting smoking. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating. You don’t have to do it alone. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help. Health Coaches, Registered Dietitians and Certified Personal Trainers are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies on how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.
LOOKING FOR A PROGRAM TO HELP YOU REACH ALL YOUR WELLNESS GOALS?
The 90-day Commit to Get Fit Program at The Works Family Health & Fitness Center in Somersworth, NH, is designed to give people the necessary education and experience to establish a customized fitness, nutrition and stress management plan to break through and meet their individual health and wellness goals. With help from a wellness coach, participants develop customized wellness plans, and learn the skills to maintain these healthy behaviors well past the resolution season.
Typical results seen by participants completing the 13-week Commit to Get Fit Program:
Now taking registrations for upcoming classes:
Samantha Merchant is the Assistant Executive Director of The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, an affiliate of Wentworth-Douglass Health System. For more information about programs and services, visit www.theworkshealthclub.com; e-mail GenavixProgram@wdhospital.org or call (603) 742-2163.