By June 2013 only 46% of people will still be sticking to the resolutions they vowed to keep as the ball dropped and we said goodbye to 2012. A recent study showed that the three most popular resolutions are finding more family and friend time, increasing or starting an exercise program, and trying to lose weight. The tips below will help you stick to those resolutions so they will last all year long.
1. Spend more time with family and friends:
Say “no” to commitments that are not a priority. Schedule weekly family time into your planner. Play games, sit down at the dinner table together, and ask everyone about their day. Make it a priority. Also, aim for more time with friends. Start a book club, meet for a walk or a cup of coffee, check out a new restaurant. Make it a recurring event like the second Tuesday of the month, so it is easy to plan into your schedule.
2. Fit in fitness:
Have a positive attitude when it comes to exercise. Think of it as time you will have to yourself for the day, a way to boost your energy level, or simply a break from the stress of the New Year. Make the most of the time you have allotted for exercise. Include high intensity cardiovascular activities, resistance training, and stretching. Add activity into your busy day by taking the stairs, parking farther away, walking the dog, shoveling snow, and hand delivering a message to a co-worker instead of calling or emailing them.
3. Drop the weight:
Set small, realistic goals when it comes to weight loss. A reduction of only 500 calories per day is a smart goal to set and is the equivalent of 1 pound of fat loss per week. Do this by cutting out regular sodas or calorie-heavy beverages like flavored coffee and juices. Swap vending machine snacks like candy bars and chips for fresh fruit, fat free yogurt, string cheese, and cut up veggies. When eating out, decrease portions by taking half of the entrée home. Each week try to tackle a new goal. Keep adding new goals throughout the spring, summer, and fall!
Fresh starts like the New Year are a perfect opportunity to better ourselves. Take your resolution seriously this year and work on these goals to improve your quality of life. Did you miss our NIFS Fitness Management Staff Resolutions blog? Check it out here!