With the holiday season now at a close and the new year set in many have set the goal for the new year to make changes that help to prioritize health and wellness. This commitment is particularly important as we continue to overcome the various mental and physical challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. Whether you’ve picked up some unhealthy habits over the past year or just want to commit to making better and healthier choices in the new year, there are 5 simple things you can do to make sure you’re on the right track toward your new beginning.
- Complete the wellness wheel: There are 8 dimensions of wellness in the “Wellness Wheel” Each dimension of wellness in the wellness wheel is interconnected and equally important. These dimensions include Emotional, Physical, Environmental, Intellectual, Spiritual, Social, Occupational, and Financial. The worksheet is a self-exploration tool that you may use to identify choices or situations that impact your overall wellness and also a tool to help you begin analyzing how you should set your goals
- Set Your SMART goals: After completing the wellness wheel and understanding the how each dimension of wellness impacts your life, you can begin creating your SMART goals.
- Schedule Your Healthy Habits: Once you’ve decided on the habits you would like to change to reach your SMART goals, decide how you’re going to ensure that are you are encorporating in your routine daily and you’re motivated to do it! For example, you can begin using a calendar or your smart phone to note all the positive behaviors you are committing to for the day. Or you can choose to wake up earlier to work out, or make a healthy smoothie, or walk a mile during your lunch break. Choose the habit and schedule it in your routine every day.
- Pledge to get your physicals and health screenings regularly: Not only will your physicals allow you to track your progress but scheduling regular visits is a part of preventative care. Seeing your physician regularly will not only keep you up to date on your health but office visits also provide you with information to keep you motivated on your new health journey.
- Reward Yourself: Whether it’s a small milestone or you have reached your final goal, celebrate it! Be proud of yourself for continuously committing to the journey, day-in and day-out.
