Welcome to the new year! I hope you had a happy and healthy holiday. Usually, at this time, we are recovering from Christmas and New Years. People often treat a new year with new resolve.
Exercise may be a top priority; alas too many times, interest fizzles. Here are some common sense tips for sticking to your health goals:
Be realistic: People set a goal for exercising five days a week, and it’s too much. Three days a week of 30-45 minutes is attainable for most.
Be consistent: stick to three days a week for at least three months. This is typically how long it takes the average beginner to get into the habit.
Be patient: The amount of time it took you to become unhealthy is approximately the amount of time it’ll take to get healthy.
Improve eating habits: This goes hand in hand with exercise. You have to make gradual changes in order to improve your eating. Make small substitutions every day. If you’re drinking two cans of pop a day, change one to carbonated water, and so on.
Don’t expect miracles: It takes time, effort and consistency over a long period of time. You must understand being healthy is not a short-term goal, it is a lifestyle change benefiting your long-term health. People start with the best intentions and find it hard to manage. The biggest mistake is taking on too much too quickly. It is about gradual changes which fit into your life. The benefit is far-reaching and allows you to enjoy a better quality of life. It’s a sure investment when you’re willing to make an effort. Follow my common-sense tips, and I think you’ll find healthy changes are within your ability. Happy New Year!