New Year Health Goals

According to a recent survey, the top 5 resolutions for the new year are improved fitness, improved finances, improved mental health, losing weight and improved diet. How many resolutions or goals does each person set? Almost half of participants surveyed report setting 3 goals for 2024.

If you have health in mind, you are not alone. But what makes a goal more definitive than a wish? A few things. Make sure your goal is SMART, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Put some thought into your goal. Consider this: the best goals for an individual align with their values, or the beliefs, interests and principles that guide your life. For example, if your goal is fitness/activity-driven and you value family, community, fun, and adventure, joining a climbing gym with your family may fall in line with these core values.

Make your goal action versus outcome oriented. In other words, instead of what you want to achieve at the end (weight loss) what will you do to get there? What are the steps or actions that will enable you to lose 1 lb at a time to get to that ultimate goal? Changing specific eating habits, practicing portion control and/or increasing exercise can be short-term goals that get you there.

Keep your goals positive rather than negative. Focus on what you will do/have/add versus what you must limit/omit and avoid. With these tips you can set goals that go beyond wishes and hopes.

Ten Tips for Achieving Better Work Life Balance

We are all looking to achieve optimal work/personal life balance. Consider the following tips for getting closer to reaching your best by establishing a routine that works for you. Whether you work from home (WFH) or commute to an office every day, even adopting one of these tips and putting it into practice will make a difference.

1. Work From Home tip – finish working on time. Work in a separate, designated office, room or workspace with natural light.

2. Keep your office and home surroundings organized and tidy. Go though closets, drawers, cabinets and get rid of ‘stuff’ that’s weighing you down.

3. When/if you get bored or ‘burned out,’ freshen up your routine (activities, hobbies, foods, recreation).

4. Take a lunch break away from your desk, for at least 30 minutes.

5. Avoid overbooking/over scheduling your days/time.

6. Stay on track with 5 essential tasks/day that get you closer to meeting your goals.

7. Read and then re-read emails before sending them. Keep them short, to the point, positive and professional – a reflection of you.

8. Make a note (journal) of the lesson/what you learned from making a mistake/a wrong choice so you don’t repeat it.

9. Group like tasks together in a comfortable, efficient and orderly manner. Avoid jumping around from task to task. Establish a flow to your day that makes sense.

10. Whenever you have a break, squeeze in a walk. Prioritize exercise, at least 15 minutes, either before or after work.

Motivation Tip: Bypass Boredom

Don’t get bored – with the foods you are eating, your physical activity or even the route you take to commute. Boredom can kill motivation quickly. That’s why it is important to change things up, keep them fresh.

For diet, consider trying new, healthy recipes (online), new fruits and vegetables, cooking techniques, combinations, eat in season, treat yourself to a healthy restaurant meal, experiment with vegetarian eating and include your favorites once in a while, if in smaller portions.

For fitness, start with a variety of activities to choose from. Vary time, intensity and frequency. Occasionally buy new exercise equipment or gym clothes, exercise seasonally, try a new sport or dance class, check out walking/hiking groups, change your biking/walking route, for example.