 |
January 2017
New Year, New Habits
It’s that time of year when many of us make resolutions for ourselves. This year, why not think about your resolutions in a different way? It’s great to make goals, but following through on them is where most of us have challenges. We are creatures of habit. Even when it’s time to change a habit for the better, it’s natural to struggle. Here are some tips for making new habits this New Year:
- Choose a goal and make a list of how reaching the goal will positively impact you. Knowing positive outcomes increases the likelihood you will begin to take the steps towards your goal.
- Break down your goal into measurable and realistic steps. One of the most common goals is weight loss. One way to start this goal is to slowly establish different choices for food. For example, if you eat a bowl of ice cream every night, you might try eating two less bowls per week. The next week, three less bowls and so forth. We are more successful in making changes when we experience success along the way.
- Write down other ways you’ve been able to make positive changes in your life. How have you done so? What actions did you need to take in order to make that change? Did you have to think differently about the change in order to succeed? Believing in your ability to make a change is a key predictor in actual change. It’s worth it to take some time to reflect on other times you’ve been able to make desired changes in your life.
- Explore barriers to reaching your goal. These can be anything from access to resources to negative thoughts or feelings about the journey to reaching your goal. When you can clearly articulate your barriers, you can make a plan to overcome them. For instance, if you see that you are unable to resist that bowl of ice each night, don’t buy the ice cream. Instead, go out for a bowl of ice cream once a week.
- Ask for support from a trusted friend or family member. Identify how you need to be supported and see if someone is willing to assist you in that way. Some people need someone to check in with them. Others need a listening ear.
Most importantly, changing habits takes time. Savor the small moments of success to increase your motivation to keep going. Happy, healthy new year to you!
Anna Kirby, MSW, LCSW - Duke Executive Health and Duke Signature Care
|
 |
 |
Best Ways to Steer Clear of the Flu
SATURDAY, Jan. 21, 2017 The best way for people to protect themselves from the flu is to get vaccinated -- and it's not too late to get a shot, an infectious diseases expert says.
The flu vaccine also protects those who... Read more |
17 Million U.S. Adults May Have Tough-to-Spot High Blood Pressure
THURSDAY, Jan. 19, 2017 You get your blood pressure checked at your doctor's office, and it reads in the normal range. You're fine, right?
Well, maybe not. A new study suggests that 17 million American adults may have w... Read more |
Forward-Thinking Tips for Back Pain
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 18, 2017 Back pain is common but not inevitable, an orthopedist says.
Roughly eight out of 10 people will suffer significant back pain at least once in their lifetime -- but t... Read more |
Short Stretches of Exercise May Have Anti-Inflammatory Effect
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 18, 2017 Just 20 minutes of moderate exercise may dampen inflammation in the body, researchers say.
The study findings suggest that "exercise doesn't have to be tremendously hard for you to see health b... Read more |
|
 |
|
|