06 Feb New Year, New Goals: 5 Goals for a Healthier You
3… 2… 1… Happy New Year! The words signaling a new year, new goals, and new opportunities!
Are you ready for the new year? Have you thought of what goals you want to accomplish this year? Did last year’s routine work for you, or do you need to develop a different one that is more effective?
Here are five (5) goals for becoming a healthier you:
1) Setting Your Goals
Did you know that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals when you write them down?
The first step in obtaining goals for a healthier you is to actually create your goals and write them down.
When creating goals, we suggest using the SMART method for your goal writing:
- Specific: What is it you want to achieve?
- Measurable: How will you know that you met your goal?
- Attainable: Are you capable of reaching this goal in a healthy manner?
- Relevant: Can you stay committed to this goal?
- Time-Bound: When do you want to achieve this goal by?
By creating SMART goals, you are developing a strategy to take the daily small steps needed to achieve the bigger long-term goals that you have!
2) Get Your Body Moving
Physical activity and getting your body moving is a very important part in becoming a healthier you. Start by setting goals for the amount of physical activity you want to do on a daily basis.
How much time do you currently allocate for exercising? Consider adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes per day to your workout to see bigger results.
Have you done the same physical activity day in and day out? Consider trying a new physical activity, or altering your current workout in some way.
Do you work in an office, or find yourself sitting for long hours throughout the day? Try standing up and stretching or taking a quick walk about every 40 minutes to get your blood flowing and your body moving because even small physical activity plays a big role in becoming a healthier you.
3) Develop Healthier Drinking and Eating Habits
Becoming a healthier you also includes the fuel you provide your body through your drinking and eating habits.
Are you drinking enough water throughout the day to stay replenished? If not, what are you drinking? Instead of drinking the sugary drinks or alcoholic beverages, think of replacing them with water or flavored water to help you stay focused and be able to function throughout the day.
In addition to your drinking habits, your eating habits are also a key component to becoming a healthier you. Start your day off right with a well-balanced breakfast. Provide your body with the fuel it needs to jump start your day!
It is also important to practice portion control with both drinking and eating. It is not just what you put into your body, but it is also how much of something you put into your body. Use smaller plates, smaller cups, or reduce your meal size to help you portion control the amount you drink or eat.
4) Implement a Routine
Physical health goals and eating habits are a great way to become a healthier you, but mental and emotional health goals are equally important. One of the best ways to reach your mental and emotional health goals is by developing and implementing a routine.
Before you go to bed each night, write down what you want to accomplish the following day. When you wake up in the morning, start implementing your plan to accomplish what you have written. As you complete a task for the day, cross it off of your list.
Did you know that crossing off your tasks helps your brain focus on the next thing you want to accomplish?
Your routine should also extend to your sleep schedule. Be consistent with the time you go to sleep and when you set your alarm to wake up. Try to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep, so you can be alert when you start your day.
5) Reach Out For Help
When working towards your goals, it is great to have a support system to help keep you accountable and focused. Having a support system allows others and you to keep encouraging each other to push forward and continue working towards the goals you have set out to achieve.
At Our Turning Point, we are here to support you on your journey and help you get your life back. If you are in the Minneapolis, Minnesota region and are in need of substance abuse help, reach out to us here!
We can help you and will work together with you to discover ways that are effective in becoming a healthier you!