It’s hard to believe we are nearly through 2024 when so many of us have probably given up on those New Year’s resolutions in an attempt to get our health back on track. But you’re not alone. In fact, more than 80 percent of people fall back on old habits by February, according to U.S. News and World Report.
It can be difficult to prioritize our health when there are so many aspects of our lives that demand our attention – things like work, family and deciding what to eat for dinner every day. It’s not like we can just suddenly graduate from medical school or online nurse practitioner programs and automatically be motivated to perfectly take care of ourselves. Honestly, most of us feel like we can only manage the bare minimum if we’re lucky. Anything more than that can feel overwhelming and discourage further action in order to make a change.
mental health
The point is that what might be healthy for you can look completely different to someone else. So accessing resources and support, whether physical, mental or anything in between, is important when assessing what will be best for your health and your body, inside and out.
mindfulness
There is actually a useful mnemonic term that can assist with writing out goals effectively. The term, coined in 1981, is known as S.M.A.R.T. Making “smart” goals refers to goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. In other words, the more detailed and realistic your goals are, the easier it is to achieve them and succeed.
some of which have led to illness and even in some cases, death
It’s always best to stick with credible sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles and checking in with your health-care team (doctors, therapists, etc.) to gain even more perspective and confirmation before making any significant changes to your health.
unprocessed feelings or trauma
Of course, investing in therapy is one of the best ways to work on your issues, but if that is not possible right now for whatever reason, practicing affirmations can be a great start in making improvements to your health. It seems too good to be true but the truth is, when given information, our brains don’t really know the difference between what is real and what is not. Intrusive thoughts can be tricky like that. When we think negative thoughts about ourselves often, the brain can interpret those thoughts as truth, despite what the reality is.
affirmations
5. Embrace Progress, Not Perfection
The most important takeaway is that it is OK to make mistakes. Perfection does not exist and even if it did, it’s not as impressive as it sounds. Being perfect infers that no improvement is needed. The inability to improve also means the inability to learn and grow. Our biggest advantage as human beings is our capacity to adapt to new situations. Our survival thus far relies on this very skill.
Perfection stagnates personal development and without that, what’s the point? Think about it: most of us are just trying to become better versions of ourselves, and that’s why making these lifestyle changes is so important to us. So, never give up your endeavors. When things are not going your way or you “fail,” you can always try again – as many times as you want. Progress is what leads to success, not perfection.
self-compassion
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Read More: Small Lifestyle Changes, Big Health Benefits: 6 Tips to Help You Reach Your Health & Fitness
