Talk to your doctor and be honest with yourself to make this year your healthiest yet.
Every January the New Year brings about people’s collective resolutions, aiming to improve an aspect of their individual life.
Far and away the most popular resolution: health.
When 2022 flips to 2023, countless people will resolve to better themselves and their overall general health through increased exercise, more conscious food choices and the avoidance of some bad habits.
Before setting goals and cementing your commitment to them, set yourself up for lasting success by considering these five questions and discussing them with your doctor.
What is the current state of your health?
Know your vital stats (such as blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, body mass index, etc.) to establish a baseline. This will allow you to create specific goals and track your progress.
What would you like to do?
Do you want to lose weight or body fat (two different things), for example? Improve your diet? A person’s general health is a vague subject. Increase your chances for success by clearly defining what you’d like to improve upon.
What is your plan to achieve this goal?
With clearly defined goals, how will you achieve them? Will you start exercising more or adjust your diet? Choose a path that best fits your routine and personality to create healthy habits that will set up lasting success.
Are your expectations realistic?
It’s easy to say you’ll run 10 miles a day, but will you stick to it day-in and day-out? Is it even possible to lose 30 pounds in 30 days? Unrealistic expectations will ultimately lead to discouragement, prompting the abandonment of goals and any resolve to achieve them. Consult your doctor to set realistic expectations and reasonable timelines.
What is your motivation?
The steps taken to improve your general health are positive life changes, but what is your true motivation? Are you doing this for your family? To feel physically better? To feel mentally better? Know why you’re striving after these goals and remind yourself of it often.
Make 2023 your healthiest year yet!
Talk to your doctor and set goals that will create lasting success and improve your health for the long term. Make an appointment with a McLaren Health Care physician.
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