This time of year the healthy living resolutions have heated up. But it’s so cold outside, how can we make sure those resolutions don’t fizzle out?
The experts at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City put things in perspective.
First, don’t panic.
Setbacks will happen, and sometimes getting started is the hardest part.
“Nobody got their bad habits over the course of a week, so you’re not going to change them in a week either,” explains Paula Flynn, Senior Healthy Living Director for the Y. Change is a process, and bad days are a part of that process.
Next, figure out what motivates you. For many, the buddy system helps provide a boost. Which is why the Y is encouraging you and a friend to join. They have a special offer to make it even easier.
Join any of the 14 YMCA of Greater Kansas City locations now through January 31 and receive your first month free. Plus, receive a free month to give to a friend. And after your friend joins, you’ll receive another free month! Learn more and join online at KansasCityYMCA.org/Join.
Benefits of membership include group exercise classes at no extra charge, free fitness assessments, and Kids Zone where your little ones can play and learn while you work out.
But it’s not just about working out at the Y. The Y is a charitable, community-minded organization offers opportunities for the whole family ranging from youth sports and swim lessons, senior programs (do Grandma and Grandpa need to get out more?), to giving back to your community through volunteering.
OK, now that you’ve joined (or are thinking very seriously about joining!), let’s get back to those New Year’s resolutions.
One trick is to change the idea to life goal setting.
Revisit those quick resolutions you made over a glass of champagne on New Year’s Eve and see if you can reframe them for success.
The Y’s medical director, Daphne Bascom, MD, PhD, says to give them a boost by creating smaller, more manageable goals that can lead to reaching a larger goal. This will make them not so intimidating–and you’ll be more likely to follow through with them.
“‘I want to lose weight’ is too broad of a goal,” according to Dr. Bascom. “Resolve to incorporate fruits and vegetables into at least two meals a day. If you’re eating out three times a week, make a goal to only eat out two times a week.”
Make your goals sound more positive than negative.
For example, instead of saying “I want to limit my screen time in 2018,” say “I want to set aside more time for my family.”
“Try not to think about what you’re missing, but rather what you’re gaining. This can make a resolution feel more positive, and therefore more achievable,” says Dr. Bascom.
Gaining more in 2018? Now that sounds achievable!
For more about how the Y can support you and your family, visit KansasCityYMCA.org.
