What I Hate About This Time Of Year

It’s the New Year. Time to make promises I can’t keep and call them resolutions. Actually, that’s the one thing I hate most about this time of year. How many times have you heard someone – or even yourself – say “I’m going to stop smoking this year” or “I’m going to lose weight?” While those are always good things to work on over the next few months as both are health-related promises there’s an issue here I need to discuss. I hate that so many of us say these things, with good intentions, but a few weeks into the New Year the train gets derailed. Why do we always set ourselves up for failure? Because we use the start of a brand new calendar as our starting point. You don’t need to start doing something to improve your health on January 1st in order for it to work, or have a fighting chance. The point is that you realize you have to do something and then the big step is starting. There are better ways to success than starting on January 1st. Here are five great tips that should help: #1: Be cool – having a positive motivation as your mindset will do wonders. Even on those ‘cheat’ days. #2: Be tuned in – a great way to get to know your body is to pay attention to cravings, energy levels and sleep patterns. They are all connected. #3: Be frosty – stress is tough on weight. Teach yourself how to relax so you don’t sweat the small stuff. Hint: it’s all small stuff. #4: Be focused – you can’t take a road trip without the map. The same goes for going from chunky to hunky. You need to have a plan and a good one will take you there. And #5: Be a team player – nothing motivates more, keeps you more accountable and keeps those goals worth attaining than having supportive friends and family. Your successes may even motivate one of them to join you on your walks, swims, hikes or trips to the gym, which will assist both of you with your fitness goals. These are just a few helpful hints that may give you the kick start you need to get fit in the New Year!