We hope all your new year’s resolutions are going well for you, but just in case they aren’t, here are some top tips for you!
- Gradual changes are much easier to stick to than sudden ones
It’s difficult to make big changes all at once –perhaps it is too much to ask yourself to go to the gym three times a week if you’ve not been doing any exercise at all on a regular basis. If you are struggling, why not try incorporating 15-30 minutes of exercise into your day, every other day. This could be as simple as a fast walk around the block. Research shows that just 10 minutes’ active walking a day can increase your energy levels and mood, as well as giving your heart a workout. There are many apps out there that make walking more interesting– the General Osteopathic Council recommends the Government’s freebie app “Active10”. If you can’t find time for a regular class, many people now use apps for other forms of exercise such as yoga or Pilates, but always make sure you choose a programme that suits your fitness level and experience. If you have any worries about this, ask a professional, such as an osteopath or physiotherapist, to advise you on the suitability for YOU of any exercise regime.
The same mantra of starting small can be applied to many resolutions; for instance – reducing alcohol intake or consumption of fatty, sugary foods – rather than going “cold turkey”, small, gradual changes are usually much more sustainable in the long-term. To change a habit takes many days (research says up to 66…) so remember it will take time and perseverance – congratulate yourself each day you keep to your goal.
- If you have a setback, don’t give up, seek support!
It’s not unusual to slip up – life events interrupt your new routine or perhaps you sustain an injury which means you have to rest or scale down your training regime. If you have had an injury from trying out a new exercise or returning to an old one, it’s best to seek out professional help for your recovery. This could make your return to your resolution quicker, easier and make sure that you avoid further injury. If you have had to stop training, make sure you build up again gradually.
On the other hand, you might be trying to change a habit or to develop a healthier mindset for yourself, but encounter trouble sticking to your goals and indeed find your old habits creeping back. Again, try not to tell yourself off, but rather accept that you are human and perhaps look into alternative approaches to reaching your goal than your original idea. This might mean research on Google into how others have dealt with similar problems or a visit to the local library for inspiration. Sometimes it may help to see a professional therapist, such as a hypnotherapist or counsellor if you think there might be a more deep-seated emotional root or cause.
- Keep things simple
The question to ask yourself is, are you finding your resolution difficult to achieve because it is too complex? Have you set yourself a goal that on paper seemed simple enough but in reality, is overwhelming? If this is the case, try breaking your goal into smaller, more manageable ones and celebrate each one as you achieve it. Suddenly you’ll find you’ve got further than you thought you could, and it will get easier with time. As the ancient Chinese philosophers used to say, “A thousand-mile journey starts with the first step…
- Go easy on yourself
This is the most important thing! Don’t forget that making any changes in one’s life is not always easy (in fact, often is not). Remember to congratulate yourself, and others you know, for any progress you or they make, however small it may seem. You can do it!
