The secret to setting New Year’s resolutions you’ll stick with

It’s a new year. A clean slate.

Many of us celebrate the start of a new year by setting goals (or “resolutions”) for ourselves. Young adults are most likely to make New Year’s resolutions, with 49% of people aged 18-29 making at least one resolution during the past year.

But here’s the catch. Despite our best intentions, 43% of people give up on their New Year’s resolutions before the end of January – and most people (91%) don’t make it through the year. Nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions are health-related, leaving lots of positive health changes unfulfilled.

Don’t let another year pass you by without hitting your goals! vybe urgent care is sharing the secret to setting New Year’s resolutions you’ll actually keep, so you can enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

What’s the secret to keeping your New Year’s resolutions?

The secret is to pick only a few resolutions. The more goals you set, the more difficult it can be to achieve them. So, picking only a few makes success more attainable for you.

Some of our favorite tips for setting goals include:

• Choose a resolution that positively impacts you- A goal that makes your life better is the best motivator.
• Pick a goal that’s specific and measurable – By setting a goal that contains a numeric value, it’s easier to chart and celebrate your success. For example, instead of saying “I want to start working out,” set a goal of going to the gym four days a week.
• Be realistic – Steer clear of lofty, pie-in-the-sky goals. Instead, pick a realistic goal that you can actually achieve. For example, if you want to eat healthier, start by eating healthy on weekdays. It may be too difficult to go from eating junk food seven days a week to cutting it out completely.
• Pick a goal that can evolve – Although it’s a great feeling when you achieve a goal, pick a goal that can become a habit. For example, it can be a great feeling to hit your daily step goal, but you can also increase or change your goal once the original goal is met.

While these tips may improve your chance of success, only you can create the goals you want to achieve. Give yourself time to develop good habits. On average, it can take at least 66 days for a new behavior to become a habit.

What are some common health-related resolutions?

Committing to a healthy lifestyle often involves changing your diet, increasing physical activity, and more. Here are some of our favorite health-related resolutions:

• Eat healthier – Again, resolutions like “I’ll stop eating junk food” or “I’ll never eat dessert” won’t likely last long. Make attainable goals like eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day or preparing healthy meals at home during the week.
• Get moving – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. How you reach this total is up to you – start by spending 20 minutes daily.
• Stay hydrated – Purchase a large reusable bottle you can carry with you, and drink at least 92 ounces of liquid (preferably water) throughout the day. Avoid soda and other sugary drinks, as soda and caffeine can dehydrate you.
• Prioritize sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night. You can improve your sleep by following a schedule (including on weekends), limiting screen time and phone use before bed, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Physical and mental benefits of a healthy lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle improves your immunity and lowers your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and even catching a cold or the flu. Staying active also benefits your mood and can help prevent anxiety and depression. So, set your resolutions now and start the new year off right!

When to visit vybe

Even with your healthy resolutions in the new year, you may still get sick. If you’re not feeling your best, vybe is here to help. We can provide physicals and testing for illnesses and prescribe medication when appropriate.

Please seek care if you have:

● A fever over 103°F lasting more than 48 hours
● Trouble breathing or chest pain
● A sore throat that makes swallowing difficult
● Extreme fatigue

Find a vybe near you

vybe urgent care is open seven days a week with extended weeknight hours to test, diagnose, and treat illnesses. Walk in or schedule an appointment today at a vybe location near you.

Happy and Healthy New Year!

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