Resolve to Take Care of You- 4 Ways How

Approximately 45% of Americans usually make at least one New Year’s resolution.  More than half of those forfeit their resolution within six weeks and only 8% actually achieve their resolution by the end of the year.  Here is an idea, don’t make a resolution!  Instead, embark on a journey to resolve to take care of you…

Here are four ways to start.

1. Focus: This is where you decide what the most important thing to do for yourself is and try to focus on one or two behaviors to start.
2. Measurable Goals: When you are deciding the behaviors you would like to change you need to identify the small steps that will lead you to your end goal. When you have small incremental goals that you can measure, achieve, and celebrate along the way you are more likely to continue to make strides towards your ultimate goal.
3. Plan: It will be important to have a plan as to how your new behavior will fit into your daily life. Behavior can be difficult to change because of habits; therefore, your plan needs to include different activities and behaviors so you can create new neural pathways in the brain that will lead to better habits.  Remember that it takes 30 days for a behavior to become a habit.  If you slip up, all is not lost. Get back up and try again.
4. Implementation: Start with the changes that will be easier for you to make in order to start with success. Positive self-talk will be important as you get to the more challenging behaviors. Be kind to yourself.

 Here are some examples to help get you started:

• Get at least 8 hours of sleep
• Decide the amount of water you need daily and drink it
• Complete some exercise or activity for 30 minutes at least 4 days a week
• Count your protein grams
• Find one positive thing to tell yourself each day
• Sign up for a daily e-mail that includes an inspirational quote
• Try to spend 15 minutes outside each day.
• Try to do something kind each day for at least one person
• Call your parents or a friend each week

Think of this as a lifelong process and be patient with yourself. Every step you take towards a healthier you both emotionally and physically is beneficial.

Remember, you are worth it.