Make Healthy Resolutions

by Dr. Brett L. Lukert, DC

As the year is coming to a close, this is the time for everyone to make their annual New Year’s resolutions. Many people use Jan. 1 as a way to motivate themselves and jump start the New Year off right. I would like to take this a step further, however, and challenge everyone to not just make resolutions but to actually keep them!

It should be mentioned that only 20 percent of us keep our resolutions. This is why once we make our resolutions, we should write them down. Research on goal setting has shown that approximately 90 percent of goals that are written down are accomplished! Additionally, if we are going to be making resolutions, we might as well be making healthy ones. This starts with getting rid of our bad habits and replacing them with healthy ones.

Some of the so-called “bad habits” that are most detrimental to our health include smoking, overeating, excessive drinking, watching too much TV, and inactivity. These habits are not only harmful to us and to others but also can be addictive. In addition, they are the major risk factors that contribute to the most common preventable causes of death. By identifying and acknowledging the habits we can improve upon, we can start focusing on solutions.

Getting rid of bad habits is obviously important, but it is only half the solution. The other half is to make sure we substitute healthy alternatives. Consistent exercise, healthier foods in moderation, increased water intake, regular health check-ups, and adequate sleep are all ways that we can take our health into our own hands.

If we have actually taken the time to analyze the areas of our lives that could be healthier, we can form effective resolutions. As with any goals, resolutions should be challenging, specific, and as mentioned, written down. This helps us maintain a clear vision and commitment to the resolutions we have made. It also helps us stay the course and minimize distractions that inevitably come our way. During this holiday season, please remember to be healthy, live healthy, and stay healthy. Merry Christmas!