New Years Resolutions

Celebrating the new year has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Here's a list of common New Year's resolutions according to about.com:

1. Spend More Time with Family and Friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends or take the family out for some family fun. Research suggests that spending more time with your family can also have tremendous benefits on your health as well as the health of your family! It decreases a child's risk of becoming obese as well as drinking. Finding time to go for a family walk on mini golf is a great way to encourage physical activity, and eating together as a family can help control nutritional intake among you and your kids!

2. Fit in Fitness

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. The main thing to remember when it comes to exercise is not to jump in too far. Consider exactly where you are at and take baby steps forward, increasing your activity gradually. If you try to do too much at once you will become overwhelmed and get too discouraged to continue. Fitness is a very individual goal - don't feel pressured to do what your neighbor does. Start small. And if you slip up, don't give up! Resolutions don't have to start on January 1st - they can start any day of the year! Pick yourself up and start again. You can do it!!!

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds. Just make sure to do it the SMART and EFFECTIVE way - exercise and good nutrition. Beware of fad diets that most often harm your health and commonly cause you to gain back more weight than you started with. And, as in fitness, don't get discouraged if you slip up. It won't be easy, but doesn't it seem to be that the more difficult tasks are the most worth-it and rewarding? And take it slow. No one wants to change their entire diet at once (changing all grains to whole wheat, eating 9 servings of fruits and veggies a day when you used to only get 1 or 2, stopping soda consumption cold turkey, etc). Make small changes, one at a time, and when you feel comfortable with that change, take it a little further until you are confident it is part of your lifestyle. Then move on to the next health improvement. Most importantly, do it for your health, not your weight. Weight loss is a common result of a healthy lifestyle, but try not to make it the only motivating factor. And remember, the number on the scale doesn't reflect your success - it's measure by how you feel!

4. Quit Smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, give yourself a major pat on the back knowing this is by far the best thing you can do for your health. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about seven times before they quit for good. Call the Utah Tobacco Quit Line today (1-888-567-TRUTH) and start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!




5. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you! Get out and try something new! Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa. Salt Lake City offers a wealth of artistic and recreational activities to meet just about anyone's wishes. Click here to get an idea of what their is to do right here in your own town!

6. Quit Drinking

Excessive alcohol consumption over a period of time can begin to affect almost every system in the body, especially the liver, brain and digestive track. Research has found that individuals with alcohol dependencies have a greater occurrence of injuries, hypertension, HIV, hepatitis, acid-related peptic disorders, liver cirrhosis, depression, anxiety disorders, and major psychoses. These individuals also tend to have higher health care costs, particularly for more costly services such as hospitalizations and emergency-room use. Alcohol is also linked to an increased risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease, liver and kidney failure, and brain damage.

7. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. Get out of debt by avoiding new debts, curbing your spending, increasing your spending, and learning how to live a frugal life.

8. Learn Something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. Make a list of things you've always wanted to do or learn and enjoy working through it!

9. Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need, rather than leaving them out by the curb to fill up our landfills. Click here to find volunteer opportunities in your area.

10. Get Organized

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, jumping into a more organized life is a great way to start out the new year!

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New Years Resolutions