Chuck Bednar for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online
As people all over the world bid farewell to 2014 and ring in the new year, many of them have vowed to improve their lives in the months ahead – and most will fail to do so.
According to the US government, many of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are health-related. They include losing weight, getting fit, eating healthier foods, reducing stress, kicking the smoking habit or drinking less alcohol. Taking trips, getting a better education, volunteering more frequently, managing debt, consuming less and recycling more are also high on the list.
Unfortunately, very few people will be able to successfully keep their New Year’s resolutions. In fact, according to a 2013 article by Forbes, research indicates that as many as 92 percent of those striving to make such positive changes will actually achieve their intended goals.
So what is the key to success? Meg Baker, the director of employee wellness at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said that for someone to achieve self-improvement and to be successful in their health-related resolution, he or she must be prepared to make the necessary changes.
“Readiness to change is a big factor,” she explained. “Based on the stages of change model: precontemplation (unwilling to make a change), contemplation (considering lifestyle change) and action, you have to want to change your lifestyle to successfully improve your health.”
In order to help prepare for a major lifestyle change, Baker suggests starting out by developing small, realistic, short-term goals that will fit into his or her schedule. The individual should consider the reasons for and benefits of the change, and should talk things over with a friend, family member or co-worker for support and accountability purposes.
Starting small increases the odds of success, she said. Finding a form of exercise that is enjoyable, making slight nutritional changes like cooking dinner at home or packing a healthy lunch, and getting technological reinforcement from tracking systems and apps will help. Signing up for workplace wellness programs could also help those who spend a lot of time on the job.
“Many companies want to see their employees thrive, so they will offer incentives to help them improve their health, like the My Health Rewards program we are starting at UAB. Talk to your supervisor or human resources representative to find out if a program is available to you,” Baker said.
The best way to keep old habits from returning is to think about why you wanted to change things in the first place, she added. Baker also advises making changes to the new plan if things become too dull or difficult.
“Whether it is to boost your energy level, improve mood, combat health conditions and disease, or to be there for your kids’ future, there’s always a reason that a resolution was made,” she explained. “So when the going gets tough, remind yourself of why you’re making a lifestyle change, and this will keep you motivated.”
“If the new behavior has lost its luster, switch things up,” Baker added. “Variety is the key to life and can keep you from getting burned out. Spice things up by changing your normal exercise routine, finding new healthy recipes online or joining a new class.”
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