New Year Resolutions

It’s a new year, bigger than that it’s a new decade, and its time to make resolutions to better yourself. These resolutions are a time-honored tradition for a lot of people, but what are the chances you will keep them?

Why Do We Make Goals For Ourselves?

Going into a new year without a goal in mind can be scary, and the resolutions we give ourselves can give us something to overcome. All the way back to more than 4,000 years ago the Babylonians believed in making promises to their Pagan gods. If they kept these promises they would be rewarded with favor and bounty, but if broken would result in them falling out of favor. This practice in modern time can be beneficial for one’s mental and physical health. It is safe to say that making resolutions has been a tradition that can improve our lives to a certain capacity.

New Year, New Healthier You

It doesn’t always take a boulder to make waves, sometimes a pebble can ripple a sea. In the same light, it isn’t always necessary to commit to a big change in your life in order to have a big outcome. Research has shown that when a person commits to a larger goal they are 80% more likely to break it. That being said, it’s important to make small lifestyle changes for new habits and goals to improve your everyday living.

These Changes Can Include:

1. 1.  •Healthy Diet: Try swapping out unhealthy options including red meats, high processed foods, and sugary beverages, and substituting them with choices including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which not only can help you start losing weight, but also give you energy you need.
   2.  •Physical Activity: It is recommended to have at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Whether this activity is measured as moderate or vigorous it is sure to help you reach your goals. For example, going on walks every day, short or long, can gradually increase your threshold, until you’re walking your way into a healthier life and a healthier you.
   3.  •Healthy Body Weight: Try using this BMI calculator to help you determine scientifically where your weight should be for you to have a healthy lifestyle. This will also reduce the impact that every day life puts on your joints, making you mobile for longer.
   4. •Smoking: When it comes to tobacco there is no healthy amount. Millions of smokers try to quit every year, but unfortunately many fail. If you or someone you know has had tried to quit in the past there are a few tips and tricks that may help you succeed. You can find more information on quitting here!
   5.  •Alcohol Intake: Alcohol can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. For women the recommended daily alcohol intake is between 5 to 15 grams, for men that number goes up to 5 to 30 grams a day. According to the CDC a standard drink is 12 ounces  of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.

What If You Don’t Keep Your Resolution?

Lets say your resolution is to walk a mile every day, but your mind finds excuses like it’s raining, it’s dark, or you’re too tired after work. It’s okay to slip, but don’t let a slip turn into a slide, everyone slips up on their resolutions, that is no reason to give up on your goals.

Just remember that you’ve got this, keep up the work you’ve already put in for yourself. Working hard on your goals, can lead to them meaning so much more when you accomplish them.

Additional Information 

 Abcor Home Health is a licensed Home Service Agency. Non-medical home care services are provided by non-medical caregivers, homemakers, and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Our clients are supported with daily activities including personal care, assistance in getting to and from appointments, and overall companionship. Abcor Home Health is also a Licensed Home Health agency. Medical home care includes nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social work therapy. For more information go to the Home Care Services and Home Health Services pages under the Services tab of the website or call (847)670-8268.