INTRODUCTION
The holidays are synonymous with indulgence and celebration and maintaining a disciplined approach to health and wellbeing is often challenging. However, by setting realistic health goals, you can thoroughly relish the season without jeopardising your health and wellbeing. This article serves to set realistic health and wellbeing goals, ensuring you enjoy the holidays in the healthiest way possible.
WHY GOALS OFTEN FAIL
Countless people enthusiastically make resolutions every New Year, only to abandon them by February. The reason isn’t a lack of desire but unrealistic expectations, poor planning and a lack of clear objectives. Awareness of these common pitfalls can equip you with the tools to set more realistic goals.
THE SMART APPROACH
The SMART acronym is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based. It’s an effective strategy for setting clear and achievable goals within a given time frame. By adhering to the SMART framework, you’re setting yourself up for success, not frustration.
MANAGE EXPECTATIONS
It’s tempting to aim for radical health and wellbeing improvements. However, a more realistic approach is often more fruitful. Keep your goals achievable to avoid unnecessary stress and burnout. Instead of saying, I will lose 10 pounds, opt for, I will walk 10,000 steps daily.
ENLIST SUPPORT
A support network is invaluable when setting health and wellbeing goals. Seek friends or family who can accompany you on Activity outings or help you make better food choices. Their involvement makes the process more enjoyable and establishes a system of mutual accountability.
INTEGRATE GOALS INTO HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
The holidays are filled with traditions and family gatherings. Use these events as opportunities to incorporate your health and wellbeing goals. For instance, invite your family for a walk after Thanksgiving dinner or opt for a dance-off during a Christmas gathering to burn calories.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Tracking mechanisms like fitness apps and journals can be extremely helpful. They allow you to gauge how well you’re sticking to your goals and provide actionable insights. If you’re falling short, it’s a sign that you might need to adjust your strategies.
BE FLEXIBLE BUT COMMITTED
The holiday season is unpredictable. You might have surprise visitors, or there could be an unplanned dinner. Flexibility is crucial but shouldn’t completely derail your health and wellbeing goals. Balance is key.
PLAN FOR SETBACKS
You are human and setbacks will occur. The key is not to let these setbacks serve as an excuse to abandon your goals altogether. Instead, take them as learning experiences and adjust your future actions accordingly.
CELEBRATE SMALL WINS
Have you reached your daily step count and eaten a healthy meal amidst all the holiday temptations? These small wins are significant and deserve recognition. They serve as stepping stones to your larger goal and should be celebrated to maintain motivation.
CONCLUSION
Setting realistic health and wellbeing goals and sticking to them allows you to navigate the holiday season without compromising your health and wellbeing. Remember, the goal isn’t to deny yourself the season’s pleasures but to balance them with a commitment to health and wellbeing.