New Years Resolutions
By Lauren Parsons
Welcome to a new year! Each year seems to kick of with the same routine doesn’t it, we come down off the high of Christmas with guilty feelings after over-indulging throughout the ‘silly season’ and make hasty New Years Resolutions to never binge again!!!
But – Do New Years Resolutions work?
Ask yourself…how often have you made New Years resolutions one year, only to be repeating the same promises to yourself the next year???
This cycle of broken promises and guilt will keep repeating, unless we find a way to create real long lasting habit change.
If you do want to make ‘resolutions’ make them follow the SMARTIE principle!!!
S = Something you can stick to for life
Make sure that anything you aim to do is something that you enjoy and could realistically carry on with for the rest of your life! (If exercising for 1 hour every day doesn’t fit this category don’t set yourself up for failure!)
M = Moderation Ensure that you keep everything in perspective & in balance. Remember that its OK to treat yourself from time to time and that unforeseen things will come up and you may miss a workout here or there – don’t give up!!! Remember it’s the overall picture that counts!
A = Achievable Set goals that will inspire and challenge you but not ones that you will have no hope in achieving. Remember genetics have a big part to play in your overall body shape and that magazines and stereotypes are just unrealistic!
R = Realistic Take things at your level and never compare yourself to others!
T = Time bound Always have a ‘pay day’ and write it down!!! Then set you mind to it and go for it!
I = Interesting Make sure you have variety and include interesting activities in your plan.
E = Enjoyable Lastly, make it FUN! Do something you enjoy!!! If you hate running…simple, don’t run! Try lots of alternatives until you find positive eating and exercising habits you enjoy!
