The New Year is almost here and it’s time to start thinking about what resolutions you want to make. After weeks of splurging on sweet treats and struggling to find time to work out, many people choose to better their health at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, only 8 percent of people are successful in achieving those resolutions. If you’re one of those people who is determined to get healthy in the New Year, there are several things you can do to help empower your journey.
If you find yourself ill or injured in the New Year, consider visiting your local CareNow®. We also provide immunizations such as your annual Flu Shot and other family care services such as school physicals.
Find a CareNow® Urgent Care near you
Key tips on keeping your resolutions
-
Watch What You Eat
One of the most common (if not the most common) new years resolutions involves losing weight. Whether you need to lose 5 pounds or 50 pounds, your weight is dependent on your diet. The saying that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise is true, so it’s important to focus on what you put in your mouth each day.
-
Stay Up To Date On Physicals
Your health is not only important to you, it’s vital to each and every member of your family! Stay up to date on your yearly physicals and do the same for your children. It’s the easiest way to ensure a healthy year ahead.
-
Get Up And Move
Along with diet, exercise plays a crucial role in losing weight. Physical activity benefits your body in more ways than just weight loss. Did you know that women who work out routinely experience several health benefits compared to those who don’t? According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who work out regularly experience the following:
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Better flexibility
- Weight loss
- Less stress
- Better sleep
- Evolve to become optimistic
Your mental health is important too! Try to stay positive all year long. You’ll feel happier and make those around you feel the same!
-
Commit To Your Resolution
Regardless of what your resolution is, it is crucial that you’re committed. New year’s resolutions are notoriously forgotten about weeks after the calendar changes. Make this year the year your resolution sticks!
How to keep up your resolution
Each January, millions of people set goals for themselves. That goal may be to lose weight, to start saving money or to cut out caffeine. Unfortunately, many of these people will give up their resolutions within a few weeks. By following some of the tips below, you will have a better chance at keeping your resolution until it's complete.
-
Set A Limit: When deciding what you want your resolutions to be, it's important to keep them limited. Don't add more to your plate than you can handle.
-
Take It Slowly: Don’t try to do everything at once. For instance, if your goal is to lose weight, it’s unrealistic to try to lose 20 pounds the first month. Don’t get discouraged if you start out slow. Resolutions are a marathon, not a sprint.
-
Choose Something You Really Want: If your resolution isn't something you're passionate about, you're more likely to give it up. Perhaps you really want to become a vegetarian or to start going to the gym; your resolution should be something you truly want.
-
Be Specific: Instead of making your resolution to volunteer more, try making it something like "volunteer once a month.” Having a feasible goal is much more attainable and will keep you from getting discouraged.
-
Write It Down: Writing your resolution down makes it much easier to visualize. Once you've written your goals down, try placing it somewhere you'll see frequently, such as the refrigerator or on your desk.
-
Be Flexible: There's nothing wrong with tweaking your resolution as you go. It also may take some time for you to get down your new routine. For example, if you're planning to hit the gym three days a week, you may have to rearrange your normal schedule to accommodate your goal.
-
Go Mobile: These days, there are a number of ways your smart phone can assist you in achieving your goals. Whether you set calendar reminders for yourself or download an app such as My Fitness Pal or Runkeeper, utilize the abilities of your phone to keep you on track.
When to check in
Sometime around February or March it’s a good idea to check in on your resolution. Whether you want to work out more, eat better or put money into savings, holding yourself accountable is crucial.
-
Exercise
Whether you’ve decided to join a gym, train for an upcoming race or are simply working out at home, it’s important to remain consistent. Try to get in at least 3-4 days of exercise a week.
-
Schedule Your Annual Physical
Have you made time to visit your provider this year? Don’t forget! An annual physical is a routine, easy way to ensure you are as healthy as you can be. This goes for your children also: make sure to schedule their annual exam each year as well.
-
Diet
Your daily diet is just as (if not more) important to your weight loss strategy as exercise. Ask yourself if you made the necessary changes in your diet to achieve your weight loss goal. Are there areas in your diet you could clean up? Perhaps you can cut back on your daily sugar intake or up your protein intake each day.
As you continue on your resolution journey, remember that moderation is key and it’s important to remain consistent. Extreme weight loss efforts won’t get you anywhere. Stick with a healthy moderate program that will help you keep the weight off forever.
CareNow® can help keep you healthy
If you need to schedule a checkup appointment or just want to talk to a medical professional about ways to make yourself healthier, consider visiting us. From annual physicals to flu shots, CareNow® has you covered.
Be sure to check in online to avoid the waiting room!
Disclaimer: Patients’ health can vary. Always consult with a medical professional before taking medication, making health-related decisions or deciding if medical advice is right for you.