We only have a few months before 2022 ends. And for many of us, these months will be filled with holiday celebrations and get-togethers. But as 2020 taught us, life can change in an instant. So, it’s important to consider our health and how we can improve it in the coming year.
One way to do this is by setting resolutions. But resolutions don’t have to be just for the beginning of a new year. You can set them at any time to help motivate you to make positive changes in your life- including your health.
Here are some tips on how to set health goals and stick to them throughout the year:
Set Realistic Goals.
The first step to setting any resolution is ensuring it’s realistic. If you’re not used to exercising, don’t resolve to go to the gym every day. Start with an achievable goal, like going twice a week. And remember, you can always increase your goals as you get more comfortable with them.
Look back at the start of 2022 and consider what goals you set back then. What stopped you from achieving all of them? For some people, it might be that the goals were too ambitious. This year, start small and increase your goals as you go.
A great but realistic goal to start with can be working out 3-4 times a week. You can start by incorporating at least 15 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of strength training into your routine. What’s important is finding an activity you enjoy and can stick to.
Find an Accountability Partner.
The second step is finding someone to help you stay on track. This could be a friend, family member, or even a co-worker. Having someone to help you stay accountable will increase your chances of success.
Think about who in your life will be supportive and motivating. This person will be your biggest cheerleader and help you stay on track when you feel like giving up. If they’re also working on their health goals, even better! You can motivate and support each other. Just talk about your expectations and set some ground rules to ensure it’s a healthy relationship.
Do Your Best to Meet Health Appointments
Meeting with your doctor or other health care providers is essential to staying healthy. But it can be difficult to find the time to schedule and keep appointments. This year, make it a priority to see your doctor for regular check-ups and screenings. And if you have a chronic health condition, ensure you keep up with your appointments and follow your treatment plan.
If you find it difficult to keep track of your appointments, you can do a few things to make it easier:
- Schedule all of your appointments in one place, like a calendar or planner.
- Set reminders for yourself a few days before each appointment.
- Make sure to tell your accountability partner about your appointments so they can help you stay on track.
It’s also important to factor in your dental appointments. These are often overlooked because they are less frequent than doctor’s appointments. But they’re just as important! Make sure to schedule a dental check-up at least twice a year. This is even more important if you have missing teeth. Getting your replacement tooth should always be a priority as it can help prevent future dental problems. Always remember that dental care is an integral part of overall health.
Make a Plan
Regarding health resolutions, it’s crucial to have a plan. This could include what time of day you’re going to exercise or what healthy meals you will cook. Having a plan makes you more likely to stick to your goals.
Collect recipes for healthy meals that you can cook during the week. Planning ahead will help you save time and money. You can even batch cook some meals to have them ready to go when you’re short on time.
It’s also important to have a plan for your workouts. This could include what days of the week you’re going to exercise and what exercises you will do. A plan will help you stay on track and make the most of your workouts.
Bottom Line
It’s always difficult to stick to resolutions, but it’s critical to try. This year, make your health a priority and set realistic goals. Find an accountability partner to help you stay on track, and don’t forget to schedule regular appointments with your doctor and dentist. And most importantly, make a plan! A plan will help you stay on track and make the most of your efforts.
