The start of the new year is an exciting time where many of us feel inspired to set goals with the aim to improve our health, finances and overall wellbeing. Many of us have tried to set goals before. and found that even with the best intentions, the new found enthusiasm doesn’t last long and we are back to old habits. Here are a few tips to help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions for longer and reach the goals you do want to set for yourself.
Start before the new year.
Many of us put off setting goals until New Year’s Eve, especially with Christmas and New Year’s Parties making healthy living seem a little more out of reach. However, starting your resolutions earlier can actually be a great idea. This means you already have momentum once the new year arrives and are ready to continue on. Another benefit to starting your goals early is that this will encourage you to go a little lighter throughout the holidays, rather than writing off the entire month.
Let go of ‘all or nothing thinking’
The problem with many diets and exercise programs is that once you miss a day at the gym or have a day or extras food or drinks, this is seen as failure, which can lead to feeling like giving up altogether. Strict regimes are both unrealistic and unhealthy and don’t leave a lot of room for fun and flexibility.
Track your progress
One of the best ways to stick to a new routine is to keep track of how often you show up. Start a checklist and tick off ever day that you stick to your new routine. It only takes 21 days for a new habit to form, which means if you are able to keep it up for just 21 days, you’ve done most of the hard work.
Get your niggles checked out
Nothing will stop a new exercise program faster than pain or injury. Unfortunately, small niggles do often become more problematic when you start asking more from your body. Pop to your physio for advice on how to avoid any injuries if you are taking up a new sport and get those small aches and pains sorted out.
Ask your physio for more tips on how to plan and stick to your New Year’s Goals. Happy New Year from our team! None of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a medical professional for advice on your individual injury.