Sal_Mom_Rev - page 7

mommag.com
7
T
he new year is a natural time to reflect
on the past and look to the future. Many
people mark it by making lofty goals for
the coming months and, sadly, many
people are not keeping up their resolutions
by Spring Break. Making small, reasonable
changes may be the key to lasting results.
We’ve all been there—it’s New Year’s Eve,
and we’re resolving to make big changes.
Suddenly it’s January 3, and we’re already
sick of the gym. We’re back on caffeine and
beginning a downward shame spiral. It’s a
predictable pattern because setting
unreasonable goals is just that—unreason-
able. By breaking down the goals into
manageable steps, you can set yourself up
for success rather than failure.
One way to foster success is to set a few
smaller resolutions that support each
other. Paying attention to mind, body and
spirit in this way can help build on small
successes toward a larger goal. Four
components have been shown to support
overall wellness: nutrition, movement,
stress management and connection.
Choosing smaller goals within these four
pillars can lead to success in all aspects.
It really is true—you are what you eat.
Choosing good fuel for your body is a
lifelong practice and not one that can be
overhauled overnight in most cases. The
key is to do a little bit at a time, increasing
over the months, to achieve nutritional
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goals. Before you know it, your diet will be
healthier and so will you. Start small for big
results.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Eat less sugar
Drink more water
Eat less processed food
Gyms look a lot different on April 1 than
they did on January 1. Many people burn
out hot and fast after adopting workout
regimens that are too arduous to maintain.
If you already work out, try adding a bit
more weight to that bar or sign up for a 5K.
Start slow if you haven’t been active much,
and talk to your doctor if you have health
issues that might affect your ability to get
active.
Go for a daily walk
Use the stairs instead of the elevator
Add one day to your current exercise
routine
Stress management is of paramount
importance at any time, but maybe even
more so after the holidays. Take some time
in the winter to slow down and don’t feel
badly for saying “no” to unnecessary
commitments. Nature slows down in the
winter and so should you.
Try yoga or meditation
Find a mode of self-care that works for
you and go for it
Stick to your exercise routine— that’s
stress management too!
Explore your hobbies or find a new one
It’s a paradox of our society that we can be
connected to hundreds of people through
social media and still feel alone. Research
has shown that being good to your heart
in this way can also be good for your
heart’s medical health. Take time to
evaluate your relationships and how they
are serving you and your emotional
well-being.
Join a club or group
Know when to let go of toxic relation-
ships safely
If you don’t have a confidante, consider a
counselor
Research suggests that, while it only takes
three weeks to break a bad habit, it takes
longer—about 66 days—to form a new
one. So be easy on yourself for the first few
months. You’ll be glad you did.
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