Healthy
Living -- pages 20 - 24
To your Health !
The start of a new year is always a great opportunity to reflect on what we want to achieve . It ’ s the perfect time to set goals , plan positive changes , and make our dreams a reality . Making healthy New Year ’ s resolutions that stick can be challenging , but with the right approach , you can set yourself up for success . Instead of setting vague or overly ambitious goals , focusing on specific , achievable , and sustainable changes can help you build habits that last . Here are strategies to help you create resolutions that will improve your health and well-being :
1 . Be Specific and Realistic : Vague resolutions like " lose weight " or " get fit " are often hard to achieve . Instead , make your goals specific , measurable , and realistic . For example , instead of just saying " exercise more ," try " I will exercise for 30 minutes , three times a week ." This is a clear , actionable plan that ’ s easier to stick with . Setting realistic expectations helps avoid feelings of frustration , making it more likely that you will stay committed over time .
2 . Start Small : Rather than trying to overhaul your entire lifestyle all at once , focus on one small change at a time . Trying to make multiple large changes can lead to burnout . For instance , if your goal is to eat healthier , begin by adding more veggies to your meals or swapping out sugary snacks for healthier options . Gradually build up to bigger changes over time . Starting small allows you to ease into new habits without feeling overwhelmed .
3 . Create a Routine : Consistency is key to building lasting habits . Try to integrate your new health goals into your daily or weekly routine . If you ' re aiming to drink more water , carry a reusable water bottle with you so it becomes part of your daily routine . Scheduling workouts at the same time each week or meal prepping on Sundays helps ensure you stay on track . The more routine your healthy habits become , the less effort they ’ ll require .
4 . Track Your Progress : Tracking your progress helps keep you motivated and accountable . Whether you use an app , a journal , or a calendar , regularly tracking your health-related goals lets you see how far you ’ ve come . This can be especially motivating on days when you feel like you ’ re not making much progress . Celebrate small victories along the way , whether it ’ s sticking to your exercise plan for a week or hitting your water intake goal .
5 . Focus on Long-Term Benefits : It ' s easy to get discouraged when you don ’ t see immediate results , but remember that healthy resolutions are about long-term benefits . Instead of focusing on shortterm weight loss or quick fixes , remind yourself of the long-term rewards such as improved energy , better sleep , and a stronger immune system . Keeping these benefits in mind can help you stay committed , even when progress seems slow .
6 . Be Kind to Yourself : It ' s normal to slip up or face setbacks along the way . Don ’ t beat yourself up if you miss a workout or indulge in a treat you weren ’ t planning to have . The key is to forgive yourself and get back on track as soon as possible .
By setting clear , realistic goals , building new habits gradually , and focusing on consistency , you ’ ll be more likely to stick to your healthy New Year ’ s resolutions and make lasting changes to your lifestyle .
William R . Forse , OD
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