Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A New Year...A New You

With 2012 fast approaching, many people will begin to think about their resolutions for the new year.  Are you one of those people?  What are you resolving to do or change in 2012?  It's time for you to start thinking about yourself and your health.  We have many informative blogs on heart health, exercising, nutrition, and stress management.  Refer back to these blogs and think about how you can start making better, healthier choices in life.

This time when you set your resolutions or goals for 2012, focus on the positive health behaviors rather than the negative ones.  What does that mean?  Instead of telling yourself you are going to "cut out" some type of unhealthy food or drink (i.e., french fries, soda, caffeine, etc.) why not "add" a healthy behavior such as increasing your water intake or adding vegetables to every meal.  Research has shown it is easier to increase healthier behaviors more than decreasing or eliminating unhealthy ones.  Once you begin to adopt these healthy behaviors, there will be a naturally tendency to cut back or eliminate behaviors such as eating unhealthy foods and consuming large amounts of sugar and caffeine.  

Thinking about joining a gym or health club in 2012?  Be sure this is something you are committed to and you are not joining just because there's a good deal advertised.  If you are ready to make changes with your exercise habits and you don't have the resources at home to begin a program, maybe it would be good for you to join.  Fitness professionals with degrees and certifications can help you in your journey.  Do you have a little extra money to spend on yourself this year?  Instead of buying another electronic gadget or another purse/jacket, why not invest in a trainer?  One-on-one attention with a trainer can help you stay focused and reach your goals.

One important resolution or goal everyone should establish this year is to take time for yourself.  Many of us are so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget about ourselves.  Put time in your schedule to do something for you.  For all of you electronic-junkies out there, set a recurring appointment in your Blackberry, iPhone, or smartphone for some "me-time".  Whether it's 30-minutes for exercising, 15-minutes to take a walk outside, or 10-minutes to be "electronic-free", schedule it into your day.  After several "me-time" appointments, you will start to notice a positive change in your mood and an increase in energy level.

Whatever you choose to focus on in 2012, be sure to refer back to our blog on setting S.M.A.R.T. goals.  The more time and thought you put into establishing healthy behaviors, the more successful you will be in the long run.  Still need help with making long-term, lifestyle changes?  Make an appointment with a nutrition specialist or fitness professional here at PROMATx Health Club.  We can help you to define what area(s) to work on and how to go about achieving your goals.

Be S.M.A.R.T., stay strong, and stay focused!!

"As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world. . . as in being able to remake ourselves".  --Mahatma Gandhi


No comments:

Post a Comment