We do it to ourselves every year.
New Year's Resolutions.
"This year, I'm going to lose 25 pounds.""This year, I'm only going to eat healthy food. No junk food, and definitely no sweets.""This year, I'm not staying up past 10 p.m.""This year, I'm cutting out the sodas and only drinking water."
The problem is, “new year, new me” isn’t really how it works. A new year feels like a fresh start, but realistically, we are still the same person we were at 11:59 on December 31 when the clock strikes midnight. We still have all the same habits, preferences, and time and financial constraints that we’ve always had.
Should we aim to take better care of ourselves? Absolutely! But, setting goals can be much more effective than setting resolutions. Here’s why, according to Lita Chatham, a Licensed Dietitian with the Alabama Department of Public Health's Nutrition and Physical Activity program:
For more information on the differences between goals and resolutions, please visit the National Eating Disorders Association.
It's time to change the way we approach change. Instead of setting massive, all-or-nothing resolutions, let’s set smaller, achievable goals that, when taken together, lead us to the results we're looking for.
The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is a statewide program designed to inspire Alabamians to engage in healthy activities while exploring our beautiful state. Participants are challenged to log 100 miles each year by walking, running, biking, hiking, swimming, paddling, riding, or rolling through Alabama's parks, nature preserves, and rivers. It only takes two miles a week to reach your goal! Learn more at 100 Alabama Miles Challenge.
You may think that not getting enough sleep is just going to make you feel tired, but it's been linked to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and depression. Lack of sleep can also lead to vehicle crashes and mistakes at work that can result in injury, disability, or even death. Visit the CDC to get the basics on sleep, sleep disorders, and more.
Quitting smoking can add years to your life. The Alabama Tobacco Quitline offers free information, referrals, and counseling to Alabama residents. Those who are medically eligible may also receive up to eight weeks of nicotine patches to assist in quitting. Call 1-800-784-8669, text "quit" to 1-205-900-2550, or visit the Alabama Tobacco Quitline website for more information or to enroll. You can also visit Alabama You Choose on Facebook for information on the dangers of tobacco and vaping.