Forget New Year’s resolutions this year. Try this instead! By Michelle Rogers, CPT, BCBSNC Point of Blue
(Shortened slightly)
H e a lt h y Tips
As we enter into a new year, we are once again reminded of New Year’s resolutions. Resolution lists typically consist of the ways you wish you were different than you are today. Two of the most popular resolutions are to lose weight and get in shape. So you buy an expensive membership and hit the gym with the rest of the resolution crowd. And on midnight January 1st you start on that diet “for good this time.” Often these new endeavors only lasts a matter of days or weeks at most, until someone realizes it’s too hard and they don’t want to do it anymore. Then they feel like a failure. It seems many people have had enough of that. In fact, January 17th was declared national Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day on a calendar website. Things seem to be evolving on the resolutions front. More people are realizing that the old ways just don’t work for them. After going through the pandemic, they are also re-evaluating what’s important to them. A survey last year revealed that one-third of people were skipping making resolutions. But of those who do plan to, “more than half (60%) noted an interest in improving their overall well-being, with 44% noting a focus on physical health and 31% on their mental health.” As the survey suggests, people are taking stock of what’s valuable in their life and what their priorities are in a world that is still dealing with a pandemic. The good news is people seem to be embracing a holistic view of well-being that includes both their physical and mental health. And perhaps, we’ve all just had enough. So here’s an idea. Maybe, this year, ditch those traditional New Year’s resolutions and try a different approach instead. What if you make this year the year of self-care and focus on your overall well-being? This comes from a place of love and caring for yourself, rather than focusing on your shortcomings. Here are some resolution alternatives to consider. Instead of: Working out to lose weight
Do this: Exercise to be healthier, stronger and less stressed
I used to be one of those people who thought the only good reason to exercise was to lose weight. And yes, exercise is beneficial for weight loss. But during my healthy living transformation when I started exercising regularly, I came to realize that it’s about so much more than that. Because of exercise I started to feel like a whole new person, physically and emotionally. When you change your motivation from focusing on just the scale, incredible things can happen in your health and well-being. There are so many physical and mental benefits of exercise! Think about how you will feel when you are more active and fit. Imagine yourself with more energy, being less stiff and sore, feeling less stressed, sleeping better, and feeling more alert and energetic. To get started with exercise, you can keep it simple. Find something you like to do and do it. Schedule the time so that you can make it a daily habit. For example, walk every morning after breakfast. Pick something doable. The best exercise is the one you will do! Another great way to get started is to sign up for a class or work with a personal trainer. With these methods, you have support and aren’t on your own. Many people are more successful with professional assistance. READ: Exercise from home with online classes (plus two free options!) Instead of: Getting more done
Do this: Get more sleep
Do you prioritize rest? It’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for your well-being. Insufficient sleep is linked to the development and management of a number of chronic diseases and conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression (CDC). There is even a connection between sleep and your appetite. Poor sleep makes you hungrier, causing you to eat more calories. Sleep impacts two important hunger hormones, ghrelin and leptin. Without enough sleep, the body makes more ghrelin and less leptin. And besides, when you are tired, everything in your day just seems harder. One in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep, which is critical for good health (CDC). It’s recommended that adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Continued on Page 6
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The Village Vibe VBHI Employee Newsletter- Issue 7
