Charlotte, Mich. – Each year, when those 365 days dwindle to an end, we often find ourselves either engulfed in a moment of self-consciousness or a moment of self-realization all thanks to the anticipation and expectations that come with the New Year and setting resolutions. Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital (HGB) presents you with the expertise of its health care professionals at AL!VE to provide the community with helpful tips for accomplishing and maintaining commitment to a few of these common, re-occurring resolutions in 2018.
Despite intentions to turn over a new leaf, some of the age-old resolutions that you might consider undertaking in 2018 might be easier said than done. According to research from U.S. News, 80 percent of all resolutions are given up on by the second week of February. When planning a life-altering change for the New Year, the big picture objective envisioned typically doesn’t translate into an accomplishment due to a lack of planning, commitment or an unnecessarily difficult process.
Meeting your overarching goal doesn’t have to be so hard when you complement efforts with simple lifestyle changes that might bring even bigger and better results than could have been anticipated.
According to the data pulled from Google by iQuanti at the tail end of 2016, the most popular New Year’s resolutions include desired weight loss, reading more and spending less money. Instead of joining the masses who have failed to stick to a plan, make your goals that much easier with the help of these tips and suggestions.
• Losing weight: Making one small change can be a real game changer, such as drink more water or adding in more steps each day. Drinking the suggested eight glasses of water a day can positively impact physical energy retention and even, in some cases, accelerate digestive processes. And when you’re making an effort to take more daily steps , it will go a long way toward helping ensure you stay hydrated and giving you that extra boost of energy.
• Reading more: Despite how convenient reading has become thanks to digital resources such as websites and eBooks, we don’t read as much as we once did or that we should to keep cognitive abilities sharp. One reason for this is because of increased attraction to the convenience of digital reading. Taking in information via a screen means consuming more “blue-light.” Naturally emitted by most modern screens, blue-light can lead to irritation of the eye, headaches, inability to relax and can accelerate retina damage typically gained over a lifetime. These factors make it harder to read for extended periods of time. Instead, try picking up a good old fashion paperback and enjoy the journey without taking as many breaks in-between.
• Spending less money: It’s about simplifying. Looking for free or inexpensive activities, or making the conscious choice to eat at home rather than eating out as frequently. According to Money Magazine, the average price of a meal at a sit-down restaurant rose by 2.6 percent in 2016. Better yet, federal census data shows that average prices for food eaten at home in January falls 0.5 percent year over year. In the end, most dining options are meant to be an experience, so cutting back might just make the next date night a little more special – plus if you're also trying to lose weight, being in control of the ingredients and items entering your body doesn’t hurt either.
This New Year, make your commitment one you can keep. Begin by acknowledging questionable habits and developing new positive habits. AL!VE, HGB’s experience-based health park, can be a resource to help you achieve your goals. There are no membership fees, and many activities are free or low-cost. For example, you can walk along EXPLORE, the indoor walking path, or you can bring a book or check out a Kindle and enjoy quiet time in one of the many intimate seating areas.
There are many activities and opportunities you can discover at AL!VE that will help remove barriers and achieve your health and wellness goals. So instead of failing to stick to your resolution, make the promise of self-improvement by adding smaller upgrades to your routine and make a long-term commitment to health.
About Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital
Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital has been the Charlotte community’s choice for health care for more than 80 years. HGB is committed to working together in health to provide quality care and enhance the vitality of the community. It expanded its vision beyond providing traditional hospital services to one that promotes health and well-being through AL!VE. Learn more about HGB at www.hgbhealth.com and AL!VE at www.myalive.com.
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