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.

People can often confuse Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Both are respected martial arts’ forms, and both have their unique benefits and differences. Here are a few considerations when trying to determine which type of martial arts is best for you.

• Tae Kwon Do emphasizes more kicking techniques.
• Karate focuses more on hand strikes.
• Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea.
• Karate comes from Japan.
• Tae Kwon Do is an official Olympic sport.

When making the decision to study Tae Kwon Do or Karate, look at the following:

• What is the quality of the instruction?
• What does the facility look like?
• What is the atmosphere like?
• How does the class schedule work?
• Where are they located?

Hope you’ll consider taking a look at all that Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do has to offer in the New Year!

When we think of the Christmas season, we think of a time of giving. While we may be busily racing around to buy gifts for family and friends, the season of giving and sharing can even extend to those we don’t know. We can creatively share the spirit of Christmas with others.

You can buy someone a drink or a meal. How many times have you been in the drive-thru line and when it’s time to pay, you’re told your meal was already taken care of? It is an amazing feeling, and just makes you want to do the same for someone else. Or you can offer a cold drink to someone who has been working outside in the hot sun all day. Construction workers and mail carriers are just a couple of professions that would benefit from such kindness.

Donating items is also a gesture of giving. Good Will and an abundance of thrift stores would gladly accept donations. Take it a step further by finding an organization with a track record of helping others with money earned from donated items.

A call to the local florist can initiate the start of a very pleasant surprise for someone. Who doesn’t like to receive unexpected flowers, or a fruit basket? Maybe balloons or baked goods? Showing someone you thought of them can mean more than the item sent.

Reach out with a gesture, great or small, to make someone’s day memorable. It is truly better to give than to receive.

Have a Joyous, Merry Christmas from Master Shim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do.

In Step With . . .

Cole Peavy

Seven-year-old Cole Peavy is a student at our Fayetteville location. This active youngster loves Tae Kwon Do and the workout it gives him. His mom loves it too.

“Tae Kwon Do is an excellent tool for discipline.  The instructors are great role models and learning self-defense is a good trait,” says Cole’s mom, Briana Barlow. Here’s a look at December’s student profile, Cole.

How long have you been taking Tae Kwon Do?

3.5 years

What problems did Tae Kwon Do help you overcome?

Tae Kwon Do helped me to focus better and to kick better and punch to the patch.

Has Tae Kwon Do given you confidence?

Tae Kwon Do tells me that I can do better and don't give up.

Why do you like Tae Kwon Do? Why would you tell another kid that it is fun to do?

It helps me defend myself from danger.  It helps you be a great warrior.