Did you make a New Year’s Resolution this month? For many people, a new year is a time to start new habits and make changes. Health-related goals are the most common New Year’s resolutions, but most people fail to stick to these resolutions long-term. Read on to get some tips for setting- and keeping- your health resolutions this year.
The Importance of Smart Goals
Many people have problems sticking to their resolutions because their goals are too general. Saying “I want to lose weight” or “I want to get healthy” might sound like a good place to start, but these resolutions are hard to measure and monitor. A common goal-setting acronym is SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely). Setting SMART goals will help you create goals that you will actually stick to.
Rethinking Common Resolutions
Losing weight and increasing exercise are great ways to get healthy, but these two factors aren’t the only ways to reduce disease and increase energy. When setting your health goals, look at all areas of your life. Reducing technology usage, improving sleep hygiene, and focusing on nutrition can all have major health benefits.
Prioritize Your Medical Care
The best place to start your health resolutions is in your doctor’s office. A primary care appointment will allow you to assess your current state of health and to set goals with a professional’s guidance. To schedule a primary care visit today, call the Internal Medicine Diagnostic Center at 281-252-8600.