New Year, New Goals
As we try and plough through the never-ending dark, cold month that is January, here are some tips for implementing and sticking to new habits for a happier and healthier you in 2022.
Make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound)
For example, if you want to eat more fruit and veg- state how many portions you’d like to get per day! If you’re currently only getting 1-2 portions a day, aim for 3-4 portions a day.
Keep your goals PERSON-CENTRED
Don’t just make goals because your mate or some influencer is doing the same. Your goals have to be specific to your current diet and lifestyle as well as realistic to achieve. Don’t run before you can walk!
TAKE NOTE
Writing down your goals can help with motivation and push you to start working towards achieving them. Perhaps writing them down on post-it notes for your fridge, in your diary or your phone can help you put them into practice.
DON’T CHASE PERFECTION
Rome wasn’t built in a day and it’s important to remember that progress takes time. Having slip-ups and failing is completely normal and if you’re sticking to your new diet/lifestyle changes 70% of the time, that’s better than nothing at all! Keep it simple and achievable for you, try to keep a routine and build up from there.
SELF-MOTIVATE
When implementing change, we need to be our own best friend. Don’t beat yourself up for having an off day. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be tough and you’re only human, so give yourself some compassion and take each day at a time.