New Year Resolutions You Can Keep
Make 2025 a year of better health
There’s a reason gyms fill up in January . . . and empty out by February. Starting off the new year with sweeping, life-altering resolutions is easier than actually making – and maintaining – sweeping, life-altering changes. Resolutions that are too grand or vague can quickly become overwhelming, and setting unrealistic expectations makes it easy to ignore the progress you have made.
This year, resolve to set yourself up for success with modest, manageable goals for a healthier year ahead.
Start at the doctor. To set goals, it helps to know where you’re starting from. Schedule an appointment to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and make a plan for any of the numbers that need attention.
Get specific. Vague goals like “eat healthier” or “work out more” are hard to measure and achieve. More detailed resolutions like “add vegetables to dinner each night” or “take a yoga class once a week” are finite, definable, and doable.
Move - it doesn’t have to be “exercise.” The gym isn’t the only place for movement. You can still avoid being sedentary even if you’re not a fan of the treadmill or weight rack. Take a walk at lunchtime, park farther from the store or take the stairs. Every minute helps – and yes, housework counts!
Eating better doesn’t have to mean a diet overhaul. Small choices - ordering veggies instead of starch, watching your sodium levels, trading chips for fruit - add up. If you’re looking for guidance, give the team at Cascade Health Diabetes & Nutrition Education a call at 541-228-3020.
Be kind to yourself. Recognize that progress isn’t a straight line and a couch-and-ice-cream day can be self-care. Don’t let that derail you from a healthy meal tomorrow. Be sure to celebrate your achievements, even small ones. Celebrating milestones helps keep you motivated and reinforces positive behaviors.
Seek support. Having a resolution buddy, not just to hold you accountable but also to keep you company and encourage your progress, makes change-making less daunting and more enjoyable. Trade recipes, share self-care tips, and offer emotional support.
Adjust as needed. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes even the best-laid plans need tweaking. If a resolution becomes too challenging or unrealistic, don’t abandon it altogether or beat yourself up over the “failure.” Instead, modify your goal to make it doable. An hour of daily exercise may not fit into your routine, but what about 30 minutes? Or every other day?
If you start small, you’re less likely to burn out on your resolutions by February - or any other month. Unattainable goals make falling short inevitable – but, with flexibility and realistic expectations, by December 2025 you’ll be looking back on a year of better health.