By Michele Tenney
Here’s To Your Health
Michele Tenney
There’s a saying: “Work smarter, not harder.” I think that should apply to any New Year’s resolutions people make. I’ve seen time and time again where resolutions like running five miles a day or training for a marathon are set in place. These types of goals will only set you up for failure.
Smaller, more attainable goals will help you succeed. For example, setting a goal of 10,000 steps a day might be a better goal to set. Getting yourself a tracker to help motivate you to do so is even better. Setting goals is important and extremely helpful in everyday life, but even more so when it comes to exercising, eating more healthfully, hydrating, reducing stress and sleeping well.
Accountability plays a huge role in all of this. Having someone or a group of people with the same goal in mind will help you attain your goal. Being isolated and alone is never any fun anyway.
It’s important to like what you’re doing. If you dislike running, certainly don’t set a goal to run a 5K. If you need more peace in your life, perhaps signing up for a yoga class would be a good idea. If you want to lose weight, find a nutritionist to give you some guidance.
People who work with me find it helpful to keep a food journal for accountability. It’s not for condemnation; it’s just a map to help them see where they need to improve.
Being kind is also important. If you’re beating yourself up for an “off” day, you’re more likely to quit altogether. Self-reflection should always be forgiving and kind. Mercy has a brand-new day. Get up and begin again. You’re only a failure if you quit. Quitting is not an option. Do over is a good approach. It’s called a mulligan in golf.
I’ve never been a fan of resolutions, but rather a lifestyle change. Making micro changes is more likely to stick as a way of life. Make daily decisions turn into daily habits that turn into lifestyle changes.
I’m finding that life is going by way too quickly and that we really need to be intentional about our health, spirit, soul and body. This 2025 I am setting a micro goal of taking 15 minutes a day to breathe and take time for myself to be in the now, tell someone I love and appreciate them and recognize all the blessings I have in my life and be thankful. I’ve set an alarm for this on my phone.
From my family to yours, I hope you have a very blessed holiday season and hope that you put peace, joy and love at the forefront of all you do. Here’s to your health.
Michele Tenney is a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist & Wellness Coach. She is a member of the Orange Board of Health. She can be reached at 203-668-2969 or email at Hmgbrd3@gmail.com.