2012 and You: 10 Resolutions We Think You Should Make—and Keep
It’s a whole new year, and you’re ready for a whole new you—or, rather, a totally-the-same you (because you’re already pretty great, of course!) with a few minor improvements. About two-fifths of us will use this time of year to set goals for the future, but more than 80 percent will falter when it comes to actually seeing those resolutions through.
Why can’t we just commit? Usually it’s because we set huge goals without clear steps to get there. Instead of a big goal like losing 100 pounds by next month or an ambiguous one like being nicer, make resolutions that you can keep—and that will improve your life. Here are 10 that are worth trying:
1. Do at least one thing a day that brings you joy. Love being out in your garden? Curling up with a good book? Singing ’80s tunes at the top of your lungs? Carve out 15 minutes for something that’s just fun.
2. Take control of your health by scheduling all recommended doctor’s appointments. If it’s been years since you’ve gone in for your annual exam or had your teeth cleaned, now’s the time to take care of those health-related appointments you’ve been putting off. Schedule them now, even if it’s for later in the year, and then you’ll be ready to go when the time comes.
3. Check out our healthy recipes—and try a new one every month. Good food that’s good for you does exist—and we publish plenty of recipes to show you just that. Browse the selection, then vow to try one out once a month (or more!) to expand your healthy-cooking repertoire.
4. Get moving every day. Life can get in the way of workout plans, but even if you get stuck at the end of the day without having gone on your morning run or to your afternoon weightlifting session, you can still do a little something. Drop and do as many push-ups as you can during a commercial break, walk briskly around the block, or lunge across your living room floor. Something is always better than nothing.
5. Use smaller dishes. If you have huge plates, you’ll just fill them up, even if they have room for far more food than you need. Give yourself an excuse to pick out some nice new tableware and downsize.
6. Sip water throughout the day. H20 makes your skin more luminescent, boosts energy, aids in digestion, makes you more productive and wards off illnesses. Who knew a clear liquid could have so many powers?
7. Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Being properly rested makes a huge difference in the way you feel, think and act. Don’t skimp on sleep, even when your world gets busy—that’s when you need it the most. Another thing to keep in mind: It’s very tough to lose weight without adequate rest.
8. Buy food that’s the real deal. Instead of stocking up on processed, packaged meals, aim for the kind of ingredients your ancestors would recognize. Simple sugars, refined carbs and tons of salt aren’t doing you any good—but whole grains, fiber, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables will.
9. Let yourself daydream. Letting your mind run free is a good way to exercise your creativity and develop your sense of self. It also gives your brain the kind of downtime it needs to rest and recuperate, much like your body.
10. Lose weight the right way—once and for all. The granddaddy of New Year’s resolutions, weight loss can feel like a goal as elusive as a mirage in the desert. At A Better You, we’ve cracked the code to shedding pounds without gimmicks, counting calories or prepackaged foods. Get in touch if you’re ready to make a resolution that will stick with you through this year and all the rest. Email or call us now at 732.866.8446.
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