As the holidays wind down, it’s time to start looking forward to the new year ahead. If you’re like most Americans, you probably think of the new year as a fresh start, reflecting on what changes you’d like to make to your lifestyle moving forward. In fact, according to research from StatisticBrain.com, 41 percent of people living in the United States will make New Year’s resolutions this year. However, by the time the first week of 2018 is over, many of those goals will already be abandoned as people start slipping right back into their old ways.
Making and Attaining Your New Year Goals
Only 8 percent of those who make New Year’s resolutions achieve their goals by the end of the year. Why is this? Well, for starters, humans are creatures of habit who crave routine. This means making drastic changes to your lifestyle isn’t easy, especially when you set extremely lofty goals for yourself. This is why it’s vital that as you make your resolutions for the new year ahead, you find ways to finish what you started, keeping your interest and motivation high throughout the entire year.
If you’re serious about making changes to your lifestyle, some of the top New Year’s resolutions that improve quality of life include:
- Losing weight
- Exercising regularly
- Cutting out junk food
- Managing finances more efficiently
- Getting organized in the home
- Reconnecting or staying connected with friends and family
- Implementing healthy habits like getting better sleep, quitting smoking, etc.
These are all wonderful resolutions for those of any age. However, for seniors, who often find change to be difficult, attaining those goals may be challenging. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re able to reach your goals throughout the entire year:
New Year’s Resolution Tip #1: Make small changes with a big impact
Whether your goal is to lose weight, exercise more often, cut out junk food, or quit bad habits like smoking, you shouldn’t expect to make those changes overnight. Instead, start small. Making several big life changes all at once is bound to leave you feeling overwhelmed, which may cause you to give up shortly after you’ve started. Realize that you need to modify a behavior in order to be successful, and that’s often no simple task.
New Year’s Resolution Tip #2: Define your specific goals
Don’t just say, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to eat healthy foods.” Instead, clearly define what it is you’re setting out to do. For example, make it a goal to lose ten pounds by March, or to replace one unhealthy snack item with something nutritious every day.
New Year’s Resolution Tip #3: Make yourself accountable
Tell your family, friends, neighbors – anyone you talk to or see on a regular basis – what your New Year’s resolutions are. There’s strength in numbers, and this way you can ensure you’ll have a support system cheering you on as you reach your goals.
New Year’s Resolution Tip #4: Track your progress – and reward yourself!
Write your goals down on a calendar and make note every time you hit a milestone in your journey. Sometimes, just seeing your progress in black and white can keep you motivated to keep moving forward as the year rolls on. Additionally, as you meet your goals, allow yourself a little treat! This could be your favorite piece of candy, a small purchase, or a trip to your favorite restaurant to celebrate.
New Year’s Resolution Tip #5: Don’t get discouraged by setbacks
Remember, you’re only human and no one is perfect. Setbacks can happen to the best of us, no matter how good your intentions may be! However, don’t allow those slip-ups to discourage you to give up completely. Learn from your mistake and get back on track as soon as possible.
Healthy Lifestyles in 2018 and Beyond at Silver Maples Retirement Neighborhood
Make a resolution to start researching retirement options in your area well before you need it. At Silver Maples, you can enjoy a vibrant, healthy lifestyle the whole year through! Residents have access to a variety of health and wellness activities, from exercise classes in our in-house workout room and instructor-led classes, to a free membership at the Chelsea Wellness Center. Learn more about our living options, read personal insights and testimonials shared from residents, their families, community members, and our staff, or contact us today to schedule your personal tour of our beautiful retirement neighborhood in Chelsea, Michigan. Start 2018 off right and start planning for a vibrant retirement living lifestyle you’ll greatly enjoy!
