New Year’s Health Tips – Another Perspective
By Ilexa Axelrod, MSW Candidate at the University of Kansas, HPC Behavioral Health Intern
Happy New Year! For many, January signifies a reset and time of renewal for life, aspirations and intentions. It is common to form “New Year’s resolutions” that cultivate advantageous changes. I, too, have started out a new year with goals to make certain changes. I also have found that more times than not, they have not been sustainable. If you have a similar experience, you are not alone!
Shifting the Mindset
According to research reported by Forbes, a CNN article shares that nearly 80 percent of people relinquish their New Year’s resolutions by February. While there might be an indefinite number of reasons that contribute to us ceasing our goals, below is something I practice that has been helpful.
Instead of fixating on the why, I focus on the what.
For example, if someone were to make an intention and not meet that goal, they might ruminate over why it did not happen. While this could lead to helpful information, the “why” questions can also keep them in static place where we are stuck. When someone asks themselves “what can I do about this?” it leads to a more helpful outcome.
Practices for All
If you find yourself stuck asking the “why” questions, that is a great reminder and opportunity to pause, observe, and engage in the following:
- Give yourself grace and understanding
- Practice positive self-talk:
“I am resilient. I have the tools, strength, and ability to figure it out.”
- Review goals and implement setting attainable and realistic goals. Can you tell the difference between the goals below?
- Make more home-cooked meals.
- Cook at least two dinners at home per week by February 1.
The second goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
As a reminder, it is not necessary or required to engage in goal setting just because it is a new year! It has been a tough couple years for the world, and it is a big deal to survive through a global pandemic. However, if you want to make a change and are unsure where to start, below are some general examples:
- Schedule appointments, or “dates”, with yourself. For instance…
- Grab a hot chocolate at a nearby bakery or café and people watch
- Stretch body for 10 minutes before bed
- Invest in yourself
- Schedule therapy – Health Partnership Clinic is accepting new patients for therapy services ages 12 and older.
Please call 913-730-3664. - Schedule yearly physical – call our offices at 913-648-2266.
- Schedule therapy – Health Partnership Clinic is accepting new patients for therapy services ages 12 and older.
- Gratitude
- Give Back by donating to the HPC annual fund
- Volunteer at United Way of Greater Kansas City
