A study conducted by YouGov(1) in December found that 39% of people in Britain planned to make health-related resolutions for the New Year. These resolutions ranged from exercising more and eating better, to cutting down on alcohol and improving mental health.
However, the study also indicated that only 17% of those who set resolutions in 2024 were able to keep them.
As January draws to an end, are you struggling to stay on track with your health goals? If that’s the case, we have some useful tips on how to keep your New Year’s resolution.
1. Set SMART Health Goals
SMART is a widely used framework for creating effective and productive goals. It represents specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.
When creating your New Year’s resolutions, steer clear of vague goals like “be healthier,” as they can often lead to feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Instead, try to break these goals into smaller, achievable steps and concentrate on specific, measurable targets that are simpler to monitor.
For instance, if your main aim is to lose weight, start by establishing healthy habits. This could include increasing your water intake, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals, or replacing sugary snacks with healthier options. These small changes will help you progress toward your larger goal.
2. Keep Track of Your Progress
Think about starting a journal or using an app to track your daily habits. This approach helps you stay accountable and gives you a satisfying sense of achievement as you will see how far you’ve come over time.
Remember to take a moment to celebrate and value the little victories, whether it’s sticking to your workout plan for a week or preparing healthier meals at home instead of dining out or getting a takeaway. Acknowledging these accomplishments can boost your motivation and keep you on track.
3. Create a Routine
Research shows that, on average, it takes about 10 weeks to form a new habit after you start practicing a new behaviour(2). However, this timeframe can vary from person to person and depend on the activity. Creating a daily or weekly routine can help turn your health habits into second nature.
Make your workouts, healthy meal prep, and sleep routine as important as any other commitment in your life. Consistency is key, so strive to include these habits into your everyday schedule. Whether it’s making time for exercise or cooking a nutritious meal, prioritise these activities, even when life gets hectic. This approach can help transform these actions into lasting habits.
Remember that looking after your health is an investment in your future well-being, so make it a daily focus.
4. Mix Things Up
If your health routine is becoming dull and monotonous, it might be a good idea to introduce some variety to maintain your motivation. Your body can adapt very quickly to a stimulus and needs to be gently pushed. Think about incorporating new workouts that push your body. Options like yoga, Pilates, dance classes, or outdoor activities such as running, hiking or cycling can be great choices.
Additionally, trying out new healthy recipes can make your routine more exciting. Cooking can be a fun way to express yourself, and exploring different ingredients or cuisines can turn healthy eating into something more enjoyable.
Switching up your health routine can enhance your motivation and reduce the likelihood of experiencing stress or burnout.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
Being kind and understanding towards yourself is crucial for maintaining your goals, particularly with long-term commitments like staying healthy.
Life can be unpredictable, so it’s important to face setbacks with a focus on progress instead of aiming for perfection. There will be days when you might skip a workout or treat yourself to something less healthy. Rather than being too hard on yourself, recognise it and simply get back to your routine the following day.
If your plans shift or you face unexpected challenges, don’t be afraid to modify your goals or timelines. Being adaptable helps you stay on course, allowing you to prioritise your health in ways that align with what works best for you.
Get Healthy, Stay Healthy
If you’re aiming to enhance your overall health, Morley Chiropractic Clinic provides a variety of services that focus on both physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to enhance your mobility for a more active lifestyle, seeking nutritional guidance for better eating habits, or in need of counselling to improve your mental well-being, our experienced professionals are here to help.
Please get in touch with us today so we can help you stick to your health goals.
References
(1) https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/51150-what-new-years-resolutions-are-britons-making-for-2025
