Page 9 - Inspire Health January/February 2016
P. 9
feature •
MOST POPULAR
RESOLUTIONS
BreaBAkDiHnAgBITS • Losing weight
• Quitting tobacco use
• Volunteering to help the community
• Attaining a promotion or new job
• Saving money
• Exercising more
• Living with less stress
• Managing finances efficiently
• Traveling more
• Eating healthy
• Drinking less alcohol
• Protecting the environment
A By Patricia Danflous
re you looking to break a establishing small, sensible goals
few bad habits this year? throughout the year increases your
Ready to keep those chances of reaching objectives to break
end‑of‑the‑year resolutions and lifestyle bad habits or keep a healthy resolution.
changes that will make you happier, The following APA tips may help you
healthier and more productive? Starting prepare a list of resolutions – and, most
the New Year, a new season or even a importantly, keep them:
new month with the resolve to improve Start small. If you want to start
is an age‑old tradition. It can be a exercising more, aim for three or four
frustrating experience, however, if your days a week, not every day. Looking to
list of commitments is longer than Santa’s eat healthier? Start by replacing that Ask for support. Accepting help from
those who care about you strengthens
naughty or nice list. late‑night ice cream treat with yogurt or your resilience and ability to manage
stress caused by your resolution. If
This time around, prepare a realistic frozen strawberries. you feel overwhelmed or unable to
meet your goals on your own, consider
set of goals by reflecting on the changes Change one behavior at a time. seeking professional help. Psychologists
are uniquely trained to understand
that will have the most impact for you Don’t get overwhelmed and reassess the connection between the mind
and body. They can offer strategies
and your family. There is no magic everything in your life at one time. One on how to adjust your goals so that
they are attainable, as well as help you
start date to make a lifestyle change by step at a time does work. change unhealthy behaviors and address
emotional issues.
breaking a bad habit. You may want to Talk about it. Share your experiences
For additional information on achieving
take the first step when the relatives with family and friends. Having someone and maintaining lifestyle goals, visit the
American Psychological Association Web
and other houseguests have gone back with whom to share your struggles and site at apa.org/helpcenter.
to their own homes, or you may want successes will make your journey to a
to wait until your children are back healthier lifestyle easier and less daunting.
in school. Meanwhile, start thinking Don’t beat yourself up. No one is
about what you want to change about perfect. Taking two steps backward
yourself, and narrow the selection today does not mean you can’t move
down to one behavior. forward tomorrow. Don’t give up if you
According to the American eat a cookie or two or decide to sleep in
Psychological Association (APA), instead of going to the gym.
January § February 2016 INSPIRE HEALTH 9
MOST POPULAR
RESOLUTIONS
BreaBAkDiHnAgBITS • Losing weight
• Quitting tobacco use
• Volunteering to help the community
• Attaining a promotion or new job
• Saving money
• Exercising more
• Living with less stress
• Managing finances efficiently
• Traveling more
• Eating healthy
• Drinking less alcohol
• Protecting the environment
A By Patricia Danflous
re you looking to break a establishing small, sensible goals
few bad habits this year? throughout the year increases your
Ready to keep those chances of reaching objectives to break
end‑of‑the‑year resolutions and lifestyle bad habits or keep a healthy resolution.
changes that will make you happier, The following APA tips may help you
healthier and more productive? Starting prepare a list of resolutions – and, most
the New Year, a new season or even a importantly, keep them:
new month with the resolve to improve Start small. If you want to start
is an age‑old tradition. It can be a exercising more, aim for three or four
frustrating experience, however, if your days a week, not every day. Looking to
list of commitments is longer than Santa’s eat healthier? Start by replacing that Ask for support. Accepting help from
those who care about you strengthens
naughty or nice list. late‑night ice cream treat with yogurt or your resilience and ability to manage
stress caused by your resolution. If
This time around, prepare a realistic frozen strawberries. you feel overwhelmed or unable to
meet your goals on your own, consider
set of goals by reflecting on the changes Change one behavior at a time. seeking professional help. Psychologists
are uniquely trained to understand
that will have the most impact for you Don’t get overwhelmed and reassess the connection between the mind
and body. They can offer strategies
and your family. There is no magic everything in your life at one time. One on how to adjust your goals so that
they are attainable, as well as help you
start date to make a lifestyle change by step at a time does work. change unhealthy behaviors and address
emotional issues.
breaking a bad habit. You may want to Talk about it. Share your experiences
For additional information on achieving
take the first step when the relatives with family and friends. Having someone and maintaining lifestyle goals, visit the
American Psychological Association Web
and other houseguests have gone back with whom to share your struggles and site at apa.org/helpcenter.
to their own homes, or you may want successes will make your journey to a
to wait until your children are back healthier lifestyle easier and less daunting.
in school. Meanwhile, start thinking Don’t beat yourself up. No one is
about what you want to change about perfect. Taking two steps backward
yourself, and narrow the selection today does not mean you can’t move
down to one behavior. forward tomorrow. Don’t give up if you
According to the American eat a cookie or two or decide to sleep in
Psychological Association (APA), instead of going to the gym.
January § February 2016 INSPIRE HEALTH 9
