Scroll through social media. Amid the post-holiday photos, you’ll probably see more than a few mentions of New Year’s resolutions, and maybe you’ve even posted some. January is “New year, new you” season because it’s the perfect time to start fresh, but resolutions aren’t always realistic. Here are a few common “healthy” New Year’s resolutions and how to adjust them for success.
The new year did a sneak attack on you, and you’re scrambling to get started on your resolutions, so you might as well jump in head first...or maybe not. Whether your vice is a nervous habit or something else, it’s actually really important to get into the right frame of mind before you change your routine.
Instead of cold turkey quitting, tell yourself you will reduce how much you indulge in your vice. Once you’ve sorted your thinking, act accordingly and limit your actions. For instance, if caffeine is your daily energizer, switch to a half-caf coffee or have two cups instead of three. If you smoke a pack every day, try cutting down to half a pack.
Think about how you feel when you deprive yourself of something. You crave it more. If your end goal is complete cessation from a habit, start small and work your way down for maximum success.
Optimum sleep is tricky business. If you get too little of it, you’re dragging all day, and too much leads to brain fog. If this year’s resolution is to get more sleep (after all, three hours a night isn’t working), consider adjusting to aim for the right number of hours instead.
So, what’s the secret recipe for adequate sleep? A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that 7-8 hours per night is ideal, as more or less shuteye is linked to cardiovascular disease. Adhering to a routine helps, too. Turn in at the same time each night, and wake up at a regular time every morning. With a consistent amount of sleep and a solid schedule, you’ll be more refreshed and your internal alarm clock will kick in, waking you before your mobile phone does.
There’s a common misconception that carbs are bad. So naturally, when a nutrition revamp comes in, the carbs usually get kicked out. This doesn’t have to be the case...not entirely. Instead, refine your resolution this way: “Cut out bad carbs.” Carbohydrates are sources of energy, which you need to live and thrive, so learn the bad to focus on the good.
Bad carbs are refined
carbs. Think pasta, bread and processed foods. While it would be pretty darn hard to completely avoid these groups, you can cut down on them or replace them with positive alternatives. Beans, veggies and fruits not only provide energy, but contain vitamins and nutrients for a healthy body and waistline. And don’t fret about your favorite splurge carbs—whole grains are OK with proper portion control.
Thinking about going from channel surfing to treadmilling? Not so fast. If your resolution is to exercise, start small. Shifting from a sedentary lifestyle to aggressive daily workouts is asking too much of your body.
Why wouldn’t more be better to start with? Because your muscles, heart and lungs simply aren’t ready for it yet. Excessive exercise out of the gate will likely case severe muscle strain, or even injury. Aim for a manageable goal: light to moderate exercise twice a week. If you respond positively, increase difficulty and frequency.
There are plenty of “healthy” New Year’s resolutions to rethink in terms of the right approach to take. Losing weight could turn into anxiety or yo-yo dieting, or exercise could result in injury. Stop into Sewickley Spa for a luxury treatment before and during your journey to clear your mind,
pamper your body
and reward your progress. Schedule your appointment today.
