Every New
Year brings with it grand plans of self-improvement and good intentions in the
form of resolutions. Unfortunately it is also the case that less than 10% of us
actually follow through with these plans beyond the first month of the year. Recent
research suggests that we’re more ready to adapt and more likely to uphold our
promises once the dust has settled on 2014 – and February is the perfect month
to make changes! And this time, it’s all about realistic goals that are
challenging – but not overwhelming.
The lead up
to Christmas is frantic – parties, lunches, shopping, cooking, travelling,
working – or all of the above! The festive period then brings more of the same
– with over indulging often playing a leading role. Due to all the hilarity and
frivolity December brings, we decide enough fun has been had and now we must
punish ourselves by eating nothing but cress, exercising for a minimum 3 hours
a day & purchasing all moisturiser within a 10 mile radius to make up for
it: I gest but am sure many can relate…
January can
seem like a very long, tiring and stressful month. The adjustment back to a
normal daily routine alone takes its toll – it’s not quite like the return from
a 2 week holiday which consisted predominantly of lying horizontal and reading
a book. Not to mention getting to grips with all those jobs you put the “let’s
get Christmas out the way” sticker on just weeks before… All of this, coupled
with the pressure you have put on yourself to be the model of health, means
something’s got to give…
However, studies
indicate that we’re much more likely to stick to ‘resolutions’ after the
January window has passed… You are back to normality, the bank balance is
recovering and others are less focussed on asking you ‘what you have given up’
and more occupied by the spike in the price of red roses and aversion to Easter
eggs beginning to appear in supermarkets… So February is the time to make a
change, ladies!
Here’s some
advice to make your resolutions more manageable:-
Decide what parts form the big
picture, and then break them down:
Let’s take
the obvious ‘losing weight’ as the big picture: now look deeper at different
ways this can be achieved – for example, more exercise, less fat, less alcohol and
so on. Once you have these, look at setting achievable goals that will work for
you. Rather than cut out something you enjoy completely – reduce consumption by
a third in the first month, more in the second month etc. Setting realistic goals
increases motivation and gradually helps replace bad habits with good ones.
Get the timing right:
Timing these
goals is another important point. Exercise is always harder to fit in and be enthusiastic
about when it’s cold, so focus on improving your diet during winter, then
introduce exercise when the summer comes.
Treat yourself:
What you’re
doing is good for you, whatever it is. If things are going well and you are reaching
your short term targets, make sure that you reward yourself for your success at
the end of each month!
We have
focused on how these things can be applied to weight loss, but they can be
applied to any life changing goal – be it managing stress, giving up smoking or
getting fit.
Good luck to
anyone who is starting or continuing with their resolutions, this is just the
beginning to a healthier and happier you.
Further
Reading
Why New Years Day’s is the Worst Day to Start Your Resolution – Psychology Today