Many people make goals that involve improving their health or fitness, but few can stick with them for long. However, it is never too late to try again and revive those goals and recommit to creating a healthier life and focusing on self-care. Making changes that become long-term habits can have an impact on both your physical and mental health, and it is definitely worth recommitting to make the changes stick.
Most people struggle to reach their goals
As AARP details, the majority of people who make goals fail to stick with them for long. Big changes and goals can sound achievable as the resolutions are made, but it can be difficult to change bad habits into good ones and life simply gets in the way much of the time. That doesn't mean that you should give up on making those changes.
A good place to start may be to look at your original goals and see how you can modify them to make them achievable. Rather than try to overhaul everything in your life at once, narrow your focus and pick one or two habits to tackle at first. You may want to cut back on caffeine or alcohol or drink more water, or you might want to focus on getting some moderate exercise at least five days a week.
Break down your resolutions into small, specific goals
Setting specific goals is key, as resolutions that are too broad can be overwhelming. Rather than tell yourself that you will eat a healthy diet, commit to adding in at least three servings of fruits and vegetables each day, or limit how many times a week you eat out. Many people have success in setting both small goals as well as setting mini-rewards to amp up their motivation.
If going back to school is on your to-do list but finances, time, or other concerns are holding you back, you can enroll in online courses that are inexpensive and flexible. Whether it's a business or nursing degree that you are after, your CV will certainly get a boost, as will your earning potential. In fact, going after a more fulfilling job is at the top of many people’s list of goals. Be sure your CV is kept up to date to reflect new accomplishments, like a degree or new certification, and save time and money by using a free resume builder you can find online. You can choose from a number of professional-looking templates that will make your qualifications stand out.
Full Focus suggests writing down your goals and creating a schedule that will make it easier to track and achieve the changes that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. Don't beat yourself up for faltering on initial goals and don't let mistakes derail your commitment to creating healthy new habits.
Moving toward a healthier lifestyle brings about numerous benefits
The benefits that come from achieving your resolutions and committing to a healthier lifestyle are numerous. For those who are parents, modeling healthy choices for your children will set the stage for them to embrace healthy lifestyles themselves. Additionally, Healthline points out that healthy lifestyle changes can have significant impacts on your mental health, especially when it comes to issues such as depression and anxiety.
Cutting back on junk food, refined sugars, and saturated fats, for example, make a big difference, and exercise often reduces stress and helps to improve your mood and quality of sleep. And don’t neglect a little self-care – on a cold day or night, cuddle up with a weighted lap blanket, which can help you relax to the point of falling (and staying) asleep!
Healthy living also means creating a positive environment, which can reduce stress and tension. If you find yourself getting into arguments with others in your household more often than not, then now is a good time to eliminate that negative energy. A good place to start is decluttering your home, then giving it a good clean. Bring light and fresh air into every room by opening the curtains and windows.
Just because there are risks of falling short of achieving a goal doesn't mean that you can't make adjustments and succeed in the long run. Rather than beat yourself up for failing, take a step back and modify your goals so that they are achievable. Focus on the reasons behind your goals, whether it is to combat stress, model healthy decisions for your children, or simply to feel better about yourself, and find ways to tackle your goals in new ways to pave the way to success.
Jennifer McGregor is a pre-med student who knows how difficult it can be to sift through the mountains of health-related information on the web. Together with a friend, she co-created Public Health Library to write about health and wellness topics and to create a forum for sharing reputable health and medical information.