I was reading the paper the other day and came across an interesting article on New Year’s resolutions. I thought I would share it with you because it really does make a lot of sense. It is from Barnabas Health.
Individuals who make resolutions realistic have a greater chance of keeping them throughout the year, incorporating healthy behavior into their everyday lives, according to the American Psychological Association.
The new year is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes. It may be a promise to exercise more, quit smoking, choose healthier foods or even spend time with family.
By making resolutions realistic, there is a greater chance that individuals will keep them throughout the year, incorporating healthy behavior into their everyday lives.
However, while 45 percent of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions, only 8 percent are successful in achieving their resolution, according to StatisticBrain.com. The website notes that people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t.
Top-Ranked Resolutions
What are the most commonly made New Year’s resolutions? According to the U.S. government, top resolutions every year include:
1) drink less alcohol
2) eat healthy food
3) get a better education
4) get a better job
5) get fit
Tips to Make Your Resolution Stick
If you find yourself struggling to fulfill a resolution, you are certainly not alone. To help make your efforts successful, Barnabas Health offers these suggestions.
• The New Year certainly comprises more than only one day. Try thinking of your plan to make a life change as a "resolution season." The date doesn’t have be Jan. 1 to make it a New Year’s resolution. Picking a date in February or even March is a positive step in the right direction.
• One of the keys to successfully tackling a resolution is having a strong support system. Letting your friends and family know your plans can help you stay on track. Also, be sure to share your success. The encouragement of loved ones is often what helps motivate us.
• Write it down. Whether it’s your reasons for making a change, what you will do with money you save or strategies for dealing with situations that may trigger you to go off track, writing can help you focus on goals and plans.
If you’re hoping to make a change this New Year, but aren’t sure what to focus on, your campus counselors encourage you to keep in mind that the best resolutions are those that make a positive impact on your physical and/or emotional health and well-being.