The decorations are tucked away, the leftovers have been eaten, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over. The New Year is in full swing, and for many people that means making New Year’s resolutions related to health. We came up with 5 tips to help you along the way:
- Make small goals. Making one big goal almost certainly sets you up to fail. For example: Saying you want to eliminate all refined sugar will almost guarantee that you’ll end up discouraged with your face down into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s at some point. (So we’ve heard). To make sure you aren’t biting off more than you can chew (see what we did there?), make small goals. A small goal could be something like packing an apple as a snack so you don’t hit the vending machine for a Snickers. The small goals will make you feel good every day, and it’ll help keep you motivated for your larger goal.
- Be realistic. If you skip a workout, or go crazy with chips on Taco Tuesday, don’t sweat it. Getting healthy is a process and it isn’t “all or nothing”. The key is to make sure you are trending in the right direction. Don’t give up if you miss a day or two.
- Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Making a lifestyle change is not easy, no matter how big or small. If you’ve always enjoyed “easy” distance runs, and then all of a sudden want to run like Allyson Felix, it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time and it’s going to be hard. Lean into it and accept it as part of the process. If you prepare yourself that at some point during your run that it is going to be hard, visualize the discomfort and how you will overcome that challenge.
- Rope in friends. Let your friends know what your goals are and tell them know how they can help. Do you need praise and support? Or do you need tough-love? Be honest with how they can help.
- Treat Yo’ Self. Channel your inner Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford and Treat Yo’ Self! If you are setting long-term goals, give yourself a proverbial pat on the back. Treat yourself to a new running trucker hat or a moody floral crop top. Keep yourself motivated to hit the pavement or trails and if that means showing up feeling good, then go for it!
About Molly:
- J&A Racing Ambassador
- Originally from Oregon
- Training for the Shamrock Half Marathon
- Loves hiking in National Parks, visiting art museums, and hanging out with her boyfriend and our dog
