As a follow up to last week’s blog about resolutions, this week we’ll take a look at creating new habits in your life. Often, that’s what resolutions really are – new habits you want to develop. This can be difficult to do if you don’t understand the best way to achieve your desired results. Here’s a look at some methods you can employ to replace old habits with new ones.

Figure out how the habit works before you try to change it. Sounds simple, right? After all, if you eat a ton of junk food, eating fruits and vegetables would seem to be the logical new choice for you to make. However, if there is a reason you eat junk food – you are binge eating when you get upset, or eating is a coping mechanism – then you want to examine the reason for the bad habit first. The eating is a symptom of a larger problem. Work on that problem, and it’s easier to understand and work on changing the bad habit.

Give yourself 66 days to make the habit become a lifestyle change. Some sources say 21 days is enough to implement permanent change. That number, however, is more of a myth. A study titled “How Are Habits Formed” by University College London notes that it can take two months or more to solidify a new habit. Take the time necessary to make the change, and set yourself up for success moving forward.

Miss a day? It’s okay. Now, that’s not an invitation to skip out on your regimen. It is a realistic understanding that things happen and you may miss a day. Just get right back on it. If you are determined to see the 66 days through, it is not likely that one day of an accidental miss will derail you.

Start training yourself now to make new habits, and lifestyle changes, for the better!

According to U.S. News, 80% of our New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. Eighty percent! That means your determination, grit and resolve to make changes at the beginning of the year, goes by the wayside just a few weeks later. While it can be difficult to make lasting lifestyle changes, it’s not impossible! There are ways to continue to stay encouraged and motivated in walking out your resolutions, to bring about the change you desire to see.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew

Start small with your resolution. Though losing 50 pounds to fit into that summer bikini may be the ultimate goal, losing 3-5 pounds per month sounds much more manageable. Similarly, finishing your Master’s degree is a great achievement to shoot for, but that only happens one class at a time. So, find a class that works for your schedule. Start with the small stuff.

Hone in on a particular area

Losing weight, beefing up your IRA, letting the kids try new activities and adding on a sunroom at the house are exciting endeavors. Doing them all at once, not so exciting. In fact, it can be overwhelming. Focus on an arena where you desire the most change, and zero in on that. Once you achieve that goal, it will encourage you to move forward with others.

Reward Yourself

Did you resist ordering fries and order a salad instead? Maybe give yourself some extra relaxation time at home. Did you manage to avoid a shopping spree at your favorite store, and put that money into savings? Allow yourself additional time to do something else that you enjoy. Small rewards incentivize your experience and make you more excited to see what else you can do.

Making a resolution is one thing. Seeing it to successful completion is another. You can do it! Start small, work hard, and make it happen!

Happy New Year! January is the perfect time to start new things, take advantage of new opportunities, and explore new options. One of the most important options you can explore is getting on track with your health. With holiday eating now set aside, it’s time to once again get focused on eating, and living, right. Although at some point we’ve all received information on healthy lifestyle choices, reminders are always helpful.

Eat Right

Nutrition is paramount. Choosemyplate.gov is just one of many websites that can help you determine what you should eat, and how much of it, for your size and weight. You can also visit a nutritionist to get more customized results. A proper diet helps you stay trim, fit and full of energy.

Rest

In today’s overscheduled society, rest is usually last on the list. In actuality, it deserves a lot more attention. Webmd.com notes that among other negative effects, impaired concentration, symptoms of depression and even sallow skin can all be caused by not getting enough sleep.

Decrease Stress

Delegate some tasks. Say no to yet another event. When you get home from work, don’t answer work emails. These are just a few ways to decrease stress. Operating at a high level of stress can ultimately have detrimental consequences.

Exercise

Activity and movement are essential to maintaining good health. There is no limit to the ways you can implement exercise into your routine. From running to team sports, cycling to working out at the gym, there’s a method for everyone. Tae Kwon Do can also be added to the list.  Punching, kicking, core-strengthening exercises and stretches can be a part of a typical Tae Kwon Do class, helping you build stamina and strength.

You can start your journey to a healthier you right away. Sign up for trial classes at Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, and enjoy all the benefits the sport has to offer. Visit https://atlantatkd.com/beginners-martial-arts-classes-program/ for more details.