It’s that time of the year again, when we feel a strong urge to try something new, expand our horizons or get down to making those changes we have always wanted. One of the first steps in this process is reviewing our commitment to our goals. Many of us have good intentions but sadly all too often, that’s where they stay! We intend to do something, find it difficult to get started, so nothing happens. To make sure you achieve what you want, feel good about it and have fun, use the steps below and resolve to create the goals that really work for you.
- Try to be specific about what you want to achieve and set a date to work to. Your brain needs something to aim for and as you go through your daily routines you’ll find inspiration to support your goals.
- Make sure your goal is achievable – it is better to take simple and slow steps that are easy to mange. Don’t try to take on too much, take small steps, not everything has to be done all at once.
- Keep your goals realistic in the sense that these plans are, and remain, within your reach. A goal should be achievable by taking the right steps and support.
In the last quarter of 2012, I decided to take myself in-hand by making some small changes to my diet and lifestyle that proved helpful. It is amazing how much we can slip into bad habits that slowly result in us feeling under the weather as our bodies try to deal with imbalances. Take a look at the list below, you may find these helpful as starting points to becoming healthier:
1. Drink more water or herbal tea – as soon as the temperature drops water intake can fall off the radar in favour of coffees and sugary snacks. By setting a target of around a 1.5 litres of water a day you will feel more energised and surprisingly less hungry.
2. Increase your intake of vegetables and salads to boost your intake of nutritious food. It is so easy to eat a comforting diet of meat and potatoes with very little in between when it’s cold and dark all day. Eating colourful fruit, vegetables and salads will help to raise your energy levels both physically and emotionally.
3. Try to become more physically active by walking, housework or getting hold of a couple of fitness DVDs and books to learn how to keep fit, if you cannot take part in any formalised exercise programme.
4. If you are carrying too much fat, look at your portion size, volume of fat and starch you are eating and cut down where necessary.
5. Remember you don’t need to go on a diet to lose weight at this time of the year – cutting back on junk foods and eating regular healthy meals will be far more beneficial.
6. Find a form of exercise you enjoy and can practice regularly – not only is this good for your body but also your mind. Almost every form of movement will increase your serotonin levels naturally to help reduce seasonal depression.
7. If your mood tends to be on the low side at this time of year, try to wear more bright colours or listen to up-beat music to help improve your mood.
Change your way of thinking. Remain focused and keep moving forward as much as you can every day, all year long!
See you next month,
Jacqueline