Photo by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦 on Unsplash
As February unfolds, the initial fervor of New Year’s resolutions might have waned, but fear not! It’s never too late to recommit to your health and wellness goals. This week we’re going to explore strategies to revitalize your resolutions and look at solutions for people who feel they are struggling.
1. Reflect on Progress: Take a moment to reflect on the progress you’ve made since the beginning of the year. Yes, the year is young and some people might still (STILL?!) have their Christmas decorations up, but it’s also been enough time to see some changes in yourself. Do you feel less drowsy? Do your jeans feel a bit more loose? Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and use them as motivation to propel you forward.
2. Set Realistic Goals: If your initial resolutions felt overwhelming, consider refining them. Set realistic, achievable goals that align with your lifestyle. We all have been over-ambitious at one point or another and maybe you were a tad too optimistic in December. That’s ok! Revise your goal, if necessary. This ensures a sustainable approach to healthy living because you don’t need to quit on your goals entirely.
3. Embrace Variety in Exercise: Reignite your fitness routine by incorporating variety. If you’ve been good about hitting the gym, doing yoga, or playing pickle ball, maybe switch it up. Try a new workout class, explore outdoor activities, or engage in activities you genuinely enjoy or haven’t tried. It’s likely you had motivation to break a habit in early January. Consider breaking any new habits in February. Simply adding variety keeps things interesting and helps prevent burnout.
4. Prioritize Mental Well-being: Remember that a healthy lifestyle goes beyond the physical. Prioritize mental well-being by incorporating activities like meditation, mindfulness, or even a short daily walk to clear your mind. Yes, thankfully, the days are starting to get longer, however, seasonal depression, colds, and general frustrations can rear their heads in February, too.
5. Reevaluate Nutrition Habits: Assess your nutrition habits and make small, sustainable changes. Focus on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods into your diet. Experiment with new, healthy recipes to keep your meals exciting. Maybe farmers markets are re-opening now or have different, seasonal, options near you. If you find yourself able to be outside more, consider the snacks you’re bringing on hikes or park hang-outs. Don’t undo healthy activities with sugary snacks.
6. Hydration Habits: Don’t overlook the importance of hydration. Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Staying well-hydrated supports overall health and can aid in weight loss. “Drink more water” is a common resolution for people, but drinking more water is also a helpful reminder for people working on other resolutions, such as weight loss and decreasing alcohol consumption.
7. Seek Support: Consider enlisting a friend, family member, or joining a community with similar health goals if you haven’t yet. Having a support system can provide encouragement, accountability, and a shared journey toward better health. This is one reason why I tried to maintain my social media pages and Facebook group. People are often more successful when working together. You’re not alone!
8. Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Establish a daily routine that aligns with your goals. If you found it difficult to establish a routine in January, it might be time to develop a different routine. Whether it’s a designated workout time, meal prep day, or moments of relaxation, a routine can create a sense of structure and discipline. If a routine isn’t working, stop banging your head on the wall and change the routine.
9. Learn from Setbacks: Acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Nobody had a perfect January. Many people fell short of their resolutions and that’s ok. It doesn’t mean the resolution goal is over. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, see them as opportunities to learn. Identify what triggered the setback and adjust your approach accordingly.
10. Celebrate the Journey: Shift your perspective from focusing solely on the end goal to celebrating the journey itself. In fact, if the process itself isn’t rewarding, that might be a sign that there’s a flaw in the resolution. Every step toward a healthier lifestyle is a victory. Embrace the process, and the results will follow.
As February and the rest of the year continues, seize opportunities to recommit to your New Year’s resolution(s). Embrace healthy living, incorporating both physical and mental well-being.
If you find you still need assistance in achieving your weight loss goals, that going alone isn’t working, then schedule a consultation today and we can review all available options for you.
