HEALTH MATTERS
Keeping Your Wellness Resolutions !
By Kepha Nyanumba
“
Have you made your New Year ’ s resolutions yet ?” Perhaps you ' ve been asked this question one too many times in the past few weeks , and you ' ve just laughed nervously and changed the subject . Or perhaps you ' re one of the more optimistic types who has a full list , including a game plan on how you ' re going to stick to them .
A new year often signifies a fresh start for many people . It ’ s an opportunity to choose to begin again , re-do things we did incorrectly , let go of people or any negativity that held us back and simply start over . For some , this means setting health goals , such as losing weight , following a healthier diet , and starting an exercise routine .
Make Your Resolutions Stick
It ' s no surprise that New Year ' s resolutions can actually make some people depressed . Studies have shown that those who fail at keeping their commitments experience lowered self-esteem , sadness and depression .
As we enter a new year , with new goals in mind , we should feel optimistic , not depressed . Whether or not we keep all our resolutions shouldn ' t affect our selfesteem . Here-under are a few strategies to help you achieve your New Year ’ s resolutions .
Don ' t wait until the last minute to make a New Year ' s resolution . Behavioral change isn ' t easy and requires a lot of planning , self-control and self-regulation . If you have too much going on in your life , maybe it ' s not the best time to be making resolutions .
Ask yourself if you ' re really ready to make a change . Taking on a resolution because someone else suggests it isn ' t the same if the idea comes from within you .
Practicing gratitude is one of the quickest and most effective ways to increase happiness , manage depression , and cultivate resilience . All it takes is jotting down or mentally acknowledging a few things you ’ re grateful for every day . Gratitude is a skill , but with practice you can change the lens through which your brain views the world .
If you ' ve decided to start a resolution , make sure you set SMART goals that motivate you and write them down to make them feel tangible . Then plan the steps you must take to realize your goal , and cross off each one as you work through them .
Practicing gratitude is one of the quickest and most effective ways to increase happiness , manage depression , and cultivate resilience . All it takes is jotting down or mentally acknowledging a few things you ’ re grateful for every day . Gratitude is a skill , but with practice you can change the lens through which your brain views the world .
Keep a journal . Whether it ’ s revisiting a positive experience you had during the day or doing a quick-fire brain dump of all the negative thoughts swimming around in your head , journaling is a great way to ease anxiety . The process can also help you to recognize triggers and learn how to manage them , make sense of how you ’ re feeling , work through issues and keep yourself from ruminating so that you can get some quality sleep .
Monitor your progress in baby steps as you meet your goals . Cheer yourself on and ask others to rally with you . Short term reinforcement is key to keeping you on track . And rewarding yourself as you go is a very important part of behavioral change .
Break The Dieting Cycle This Year !
You may be making a resolution to eat healthier or lose weight year after year
64 MAL40 / 21 ISSUE