At Hoppers Lane GP we recognise that by the end of January a good number of those New Years Resolutions will have dropped by the wayside.
When the kids are at home it can be very difficult to be ‘me’ centred and so the resolve begins to slip, right?
There are a couple of things you do to strengthen that waning resolve and we have detailed those below for you!
Start small
Make resolutions that you really think that you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week at the gym. This is preferable to jumping in with a resolution of seven days a week! If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yoghurt. This will mean that you see your diet less as a form of punishment!
Change one behaviour at a time
Unhealthy habits and behaviours develop over the course of time, they don’t just suddenly happen usually. Therefore replacing your unhealthy behaviours with healthy takes time to achieve. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a time. It will be much more achievable if you do!
Talk about it
Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as a workout class at your gym or a group of co-workers quitting smoking. We are very lucky that in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne there are a number of very effective support networks and groups in place. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating. Having company along the way also makes you more accountable and therefore less likely to quit.
Don’t beat yourself up
Absolute perfection is not attainable. Remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet. Don’t feel like never stepping into the gym again because you skipped classes for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.
Ask for support
It is sometimes hard to ask for and then accept help from those who care about you. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help. Your Doctor understands you better than most. They are uniquely placed to offer you the support and guidance that you need to stay on track. They understand the connection between the mind and body and can help you to understand too. They can offer strategies as to how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviours. They can help you to fully address emotional issues and increase your chances of success!