As you strive to accomplish your New Year’s Resolutions, you may end up like millions of people do—frustrated and overwhelmed.
From the classic resolutions such as quitting smoking and losing weight to more unique commitments such as nurturing and deepening relationships, many people simply give up once things get tough.
The way to beat this trend of failed New Year’s Resolutions is simple.
Don’t make resolutions at all.
Instead, commit to lifestyle changes.
If you read any number of health blogs at this time of year, you’ll encounter an avalanche of advice on how to accomplish resolutions. However, whether it’s losing the last 10 pounds or cutting down on television, limiting yourself will make your resolutions go belly up.
At Carolinas Natural Health Center, we recommend tangible, realistic goals that result in full transformation. To help you succeed with your resolutions, I’ve outlined a few doable ideas that you can easily accomplish.
Commit 30 minutes a day to relaxation.
No matter your lifestyle, chances are that you can find a half hour to relax. Yes, I’m a naturopathic physician who’s telling you NOT to put the full focus on diet and exercise.
I really want you to relax and unwind. The reason: in a world of 9-to-5 office jobs, family commitments, and bills, your stress level may rise. And with too much stress comes poor health.
Don’t forget about your emotional wellbeing.
Don’t only focus on your physical health—think about what makes you happy, and do more of those activities. Your emotional wellbeing is every bit as important as your physical health, and yet, people often forget to strive toward happiness.
Your overall person consists of mind, body, and spirit—the last of which consists of how you feel emotionally each and every day. This year, I want you to make your happiness a top priority.
Make tangible exercise commitments.
Losing weight is the classic New Year’s Resolution. Even though there’s nothing wrong with weight loss as a goal, it’s one of the most commonly failed resolutions.
To turn this devastating trend around, create tangible weight loss commitments, such as…
- Walk for 30 minutes per day.
- Play outside with your young kids (if you have them).
- Find a physical activity you actually enjoy (surfing, hiking, etc.).
Practice Kindness.
When it comes to mental health, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life, nothing works quite as well as the practice of kindness.
While the newsfeeds are permeated with a litany of atrocious acts, 2016 can be the year where more people do more good in the community. My advice: get active in the practice of kindness.
Whether you go out to plant trees or help with neighborhood cleanup, you’re making your community and your life much richer.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2016. May it be your best year yet!
And to start the year off right, make sure you’re in optimal health and let a team of physicians guide you toward meeting all your New Year’s Resolutions.
