Making the Most of Your Wellness Resolutions

As the new year approaches, here are some tips to help you stay on track with your wellness resolutions.

Look at the big picture: Wellness is not just diet or exercise, but instead a comprehensive attention to your lifestyle. When making your resolution of losing weight or quitting a bad habit, create a plan that fits your lifestyle to be successful.

Don’t forget recovery: I always see people hit it hard after the new year only to burn out in a short amount of time. Of the many causes, the one to focus on is a lack of recovery. Make sure that when you change your diet or exercise routine, you balance it with rest, an indulgent meal or a massage. Otherwise your body will not be as willing to accept the new changes.

Think outside the box: Instead of just purchasing a gym membership or hiring a nutritionist, think of what inspires you to get going. You may have a great time picking up a sport like cycling or climbing, which will make your exercise more enjoyable. You can also seek out local clubs and organizations where you will find like-minded people to keep you motivated.

Make it easy: If it is not easy it will not happen. I do not mean that the exercise or new hobby should be easy, but instead it should be easy to do. If you have to drive 30 minutes to get started, you just will not do it as much. Again, finding a group to keep you motivated can help as well.

Turn to the pros: Sometimes the best resolution just fails, but it does not have to. Many times when it begins to fizzle out you lose motivation, which makes it twice as hard to get back into. Before you start in 2013, take your idea to a professional such as a nutritionist, personal trainer or local expert. More often than not these people will give you insight that may not be intuitive to you, which will lead to long-term success.

Happy New Year,

– Thomas Krajewski, Activities Manager