When a new year comes around, it’s common for people to set resolutions, often linked to their health. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to stick with these well-intentioned efforts. Life gets in the way. Motivation stalls. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pick back up with your goal at any time. We have some suggestions for making sustainable changes so that healthy habits simply become your new normal.
See what a Parkview doctor wants you to prioritize this year.
Making a change that lasts
Turn your aspirations into your every day by keeping these two concepts top of mind.
Reminder No. 1 – Remember your “why”
It’s easy to let go of our goals when we lose sight of the reasons we set them in the first place. It’s good to reflect often on your resolutions and regularly ask yourself:
- What were my personal reasons for making this change?
- Why was this change important to me?
- What values led me to make this change?
- What kind of person do I want to be?
- What temptations do I need to watch for? What are the best ways I’ve handled triggers and cravings so far? What other ways can I try to minimize the things that derail me?
Reminder No. 2 – A slip-up is just one instance
When things don’t go as planned and you make a decision that doesn’t support your goals, stay calm, learn from the experience and move on! If you relapse, don’t get mad at yourself. You can bounce back. Nearly everyone who succeeds with change has some slips along the way. It’s normal.
Here are some recommendations for moving forward:
- Turn your mistake into a lesson. Ask yourself what you can do differently next time so you have a different outcome or make a different decision.
- Every time you notice a craving or trigger, record it in a journal. This makes it easier to be aware, plan ahead and pivot in the future.
- Revisit the strategies you’re currently using to work toward your goal and consider if you can change anything. For example, are you making unhealthy choices when you’re in a certain mood, around certain people, in specific situations? Once you connect behaviors to triggers you can plan.
- Stay connected with people who understand how important this change is to you.
- Spend time with people who lead the kind of healthy lifestyle you’ve chosen for yourself.
Remember, things won’t always be perfect but there’s a big difference between slipping up and giving up.
More resources that can help
Browse our blog, the Parkview Dashboard for articles on setting SMART goals, eating well and reframing the way you look at movement, as well as other topics!
Have you seen our Best Buy store? You can shop a collection of curated items that are Parkview provider-approved to support your health needs.
Check out our list of Classes & Events, which cover a range of topics from cooking to mindfulness and offer an opportunity to meet others in your area working toward similar goals.
Don’t underestimate the role of your primary care provider in supporting your wellness journey. If you need help establishing care with a doctor, we can help! Call our Access any time at 877-PPG-TODAY or 877-774-8632.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
