Balancing your New Years Resolutions

Jan. 17

Written by Lindsey Tasker Cole | January 17, 2020

New Year Resolution time! YAY….or NAY?

The start of the New Year brings the joy of starting fresh, getting off on the right foot and prepping for the year ahead.

The most common resolutions are losing weight, getting into shape, eating healthy, or some combo of all three. And often we aim at making such extreme changes, that it is no wonder we fall short, feel disappointment and can end up even further from our goal.

Below are some ideas of how to stay on track with your New Year’s health goals, which may help you stick to them.

1. Choose a type of exercise you actually enjoy. If you hate running, don’t run. It’s as simple as that. Find something that gets your body moving and heart rate elevated, but also brings you joy. You will have more fun If you actually ‘like’ your activity of choice.

2. Start with a plan you can be successful at. For example, if your goal is to exercise every day, what happens if you miss a day? Is your whole goal out the window?
Instead, if you make a plan to exercise 1-2 times per week, and you end up working out 3 times a week, you will not only feel successful, but that may fuel you do the same the following week. Or not, either way you will be meeting your original goal and that is the point!

3. Be kind to yourself. If you’re sick, tired, had a disagreement with a friend or family member, or generally don’t feel like exercising, then don’t. It’s ok to accept an off day, do some self-care and see how you feel the next day. Rest days are equally important and actually can improve performance and energy output.

4. Something is better than nothing. If you don’t feel like hitting the gym or don’t have time, try going for a walk on your lunch break. Or maybe your body is craving a bike ride after work instead (In our lovely Saskatchewan weather, you may have to get a little creative!). Whatever it is, just know your body will thank you for the little effort you put in, even if it’s not what was planned.

5. If healthy eating is your goal- start with small changes. Try keeping track of what you eat for a week first and see how you can adjust or improve it from there. MODERATION is key, and still allowing yourself your fav foods is definitely encouraged.:)