Resolutions are so last year. Resolutions are hard to keep; they are either too ambitious or too obscure. Subtle lifestyle adjustments with good intention are much easier to carry through the whole year. When done gently, the adjustments will be completed each day without a second thought or groan.  It is important to find what works for you. If you do not enjoy crowded gyms, there are plenty of alternative workouts where walking into a gym is not necessary. Find activities that help you reach your goals, but you can persistently dedicate yourself to.

Oftentimes when someone fails their new year’s resolution, they become extremely discouraged. Set short-term goals. When you complete your easy to obtain goal, you will feel on top of the world and ready to conquer another. Your first goal may be to walk for ten minutes per day. Next, make the goal to walk for 20 minutes per day. Eventually, you will be accomplishing a new goal each week and feel great!

The best way to remain committed to your new habits, are to reward yourself for following them. An example would be, if your goal were to stop smoking, treat yourself to a spa day after two weeks of avoiding nicotine. Every accomplishment counts, big or small. Partake in goals that make you happy and improve your personal life. Do not aspire to please anyone other than yourself. You do not need to run a marathon in order to be working towards your resolution of becoming healthier. Reevaluate your resolutions every quarter. Asses what is working and what is not.

Physical Health

If you dread going to the gym, find a way to achieve your resolution to become healthier by means other than the traditional gym work out.

• Keep taking the escalator, but walk it.
• Lift, stretch, or bike while watching your favorite TV show.
• Cold? Get moving instead of running underneath the closest blanket.
• Drink more water. Utilize reusable water bottles. Add a lemon to your water.
• Instead of completely committing to a vegetarian diet to undergo a healthier lifestyle, start with one vegetarian meal per week. Later, evaluate if this is working or not and what adjustments should be made.
• Replace soda with tea.

Mental Health

If stress is a major obstacle in your life, your resolution may involve becoming more mindful. Life is meant to be lived. Do more than mundanely trudge through life. Every Monday is more than the first day back to work. It is the first day of a new week of new opportunities! If last week was bad, it is already in the past.

• Address lingering problems before they become catastrophic.
• Begin journaling. Whether it be food, gratitude, or stress management; whatever suits your needs.
• Actively cut back on social media.
• Attend more meetings/ therapy sessions.
• Focus on your breathing. It can make a world of difference.
• Find an outlet for your stress; kickboxing, crafting, it is up to you.
• Follow things that excite you. Read into topics that spark your interest.
• Take your friendships offline. Instead of instant messaging, go on a foodie or ceramics outing.

Relationship Health

Nothing speaks louder than confidence. Building you own self-esteem will affect your overall mood, relationships with others, and motivation to continue your resolutions. When you believe in yourself, anything is possible. All of your goals are achievable. When you feel good, you are good.

• Buy a new set of clothes.
• You are not trapped anywhere.
• Helping others is the best way to help yourself.
• Give more compliments.
• Be gentle to yourself. Speak to yourself the way you would anyone else.
• Take a spa day when you need it.
• Feeling stuck? Take a class. Go back to school. Take a hold of your future. Do not keep living a life you are not happy with. Each day wake up excited and proud to begin your day.
• Get more sleep. There are infinite benefits to getting a quality sleep each night. Make a routine out of it. Each night switch into your nicest pajamas, set a calming environment, turn off the technology, and peacefully wind down.
• Set aside every $5 bill you come across and use it to treat yourself at the end of the year.
• Learn to say no. Make yourself your priority.

Be the best you!

Finally, you are only human. Do not strive for the perfect body or life. Keep your resolutions obtainable as we move into a new year. If your new year’s resolution involves tackling a substance abuse disorder, we are here to help. We understand that our patients have to crawl before they can walk. Our dedicated staff sits with each patient to identify proper short and long-term goals. Relapse or not following through with a resolution is not failure. It simply means we need to start again with a new plan and perspective. For more information, please check out our website. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse disorder, call our help line (888) 223-0298.