As the year draws to a close, it’s tempting to think about New Year resolutions, and about the changes we fully intend to make in our lives. I’ve collaborated with HCA to bring you some insight into how you can make some of your New year resolutions “stick”.
Your resolutions could be as simple (and important!) as “leave the office earlier”, or the more complex (and equally important) “lose weight and keep fit”.
However, the reason most of us fail to reach our goals is that we expect too much of ourselves. Resolutions are only of any practical use if we know where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there. Here are some health resolutions you should consider for 2017, and some tips for achieving them:
I am going to get fit
If you don’t already exercise regularly, it’s a good idea to get a steady routine in place. You could change “I am going to get fit” to “I am going to get fit by taking a half hour walk at least three times a week”. Studies show that you only need to exercise for half an hour a day to have a beneficial effect on your overall health.
I am going to go on a diet
Ask yourself what you’re going on a diet for; if the answer is anything other than to be healthier than you are, then it might be for the wrong reasons. Additionally, “diets” as such don’t work; a very restrictive eating plan isn’t sustainable as a life-long choice, whereas making sensible substitutions a little at a time is. Instead of “I am going on a diet”, consider using a smaller plate for your largest meal of the day, so that your portion sizes shrink automatically.
I am going to join a gym
This is a good one, and lots of us fall over here. Joining a gym is easy; making the effort to go on a regular basis is rather harder! As any regular gym-goer will tell you, they are jam-packed with enthusiastic exercisers in January, many of whom fall by the wayside by early March. Try “I am going to join a local exercise class with a friend” instead. Your natural competitive streak will help both of you stay on track.
I am going to look after myself
This needs no modification. If you don’t look after your health and listen to any of those niggling aches and pains that you never speak to the doctor about, no amount of good resolve will get you back to your best. Make this your year to have a full health check. Whilst it can be scary to delve into the unknown, it is better to identify issues sooner rather than later so that you can undergo any relevant treatment.
If your GP finds anything that concerns them and needs further investigation, The Christie Clinic deal with all stages of diagnosis and treatment of a variety of cancers, including a comprehensive counselling and support service to help you come to terms with your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. If 2017 means a cancer diagnosis for you (and let’s hope it doesn’t), let them give you the best possible care.