As 2023 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the events of the past year and set new goals for a better, healthier New Year. Although resolutions are easy to make, most often, they fail within weeks as the spirit and excitement of the New Year fade.
Studies show that about half of all adults make New Year’s resolutions, but only less than 10% manage to keep them for more than a few months. One common reason for failed resolutions is unrealistic goal setting. Setting achievable, specific and measurable goals can help you stick to your resolutions. For example, a person who wants to reduce drinking alcohol should not try to quit all of a sudden but set practical goals like limiting drinking to once a week or so.
If your resolutions are failing, it could also mean that you are trying to change too many things at once. Changing habits like smoking or drinking takes time. For a healthier New Year, focus on meeting one goal at a time. Once you succeed in making a change, you can move on to the next goal.
Here are some practical goals you can set for a healthy 2024:
Get good sleep – Sleep deprivation is associated with an array of health issues, including weight gain, heart disease and depression. The quality of sleep is decided by various factors like screen time, room lighting, caffeine intake and diet. Setting measurable goals like fixing a consistent sleep time and cutting down on caffeine intake can help ensure better sleep.
Reduce prolonged sitting – A sedentary lifestyle that involves sitting for long periods can be harmful to health. This New Year, you can decide to sit less and walk more. Taking short, frequent breaks while at the office can help to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. Aim to stand up at least once every 30 minutes or make phone calls by standing or walking to reduce sitting time. Using a standing desk for work and conducting meetings while walking or standing can also help cut down sitting time.
Eat more whole foods – One way to improve…
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