Tips for Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions
As the added stress of the holiday season begins to fade, most people look forward to the coming year, reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make, and resolve to follow through on those changes. Unfortunately, research has shown that after six months fewer than half the people who make New Year's resolutions have stuck with them.
At CareFocus Companion Services, we care about the health and well being of you and your loved ones. We also understand that keeping New Year’s resolutions is hard to do without support and encouragement. Make this year the year you make good on your New Year's resolutions.
Take Time For Yourself
About one in three adults in the United States cares for a loved one who is elderly, sick, or has special needs. More often than not, caregivers are raising families and working outside the home in addition to caring for their loved one- placing everyone else’s needs ahead of their own. As a caregiver, it is important to not lose yourself in your efforts to care for your loved ones. If you take time for yourself, you may actually be helping those you care for by ensuring your own mental and physical health. By focusing on you, you will stay healthier, feel better about yourself, and have more energy and enthusiasm to keep giving care. Below are a few ways you can take time out of your busy schedule to focus on yourself.
• Take a few minutes to listen to your favorite song, sip a hot cup of tea, take a bath, or work on a project in the garage.
• Take a long walk around your neighborhood or a local park.
• Turn off the phone and allow your voicemail to pick up your calls.
• Play solitaire, whether it’s on the computer or with a real deck of cards.
Get The Facts
Before starting any new diet or exercise program it is important to consult your physician to make sure you’re taking the right actions. Take time to learn more about the basics of exercise and weight loss to help you set up a more effective program. CareFocus Companion Services understands the confusion and concerns that can come along with beginning a new diet or exercise program and offers a variety of resources and tips to help you learn the basics and keep you focused on your resolution.
Prepare Yourself For Success
Experts say, having support from others, making and sticking to a plan, and setting reasonable goals are all keys in making New Year's resolutions stick. Everyone knows change is hard and that it's often the best possible thing you can do for yourself, but trying to change too many aspects of your life at once can be very stressful and can undo the good effect it was intended to have. This year, resolve to think small. By setting smaller, more manageable, goals for yourself throughout the year your chances of succeeding will be greater. Sometimes just being aware of your goals will help your friends and family support you as you work towards you goal. Below are a few tips to help you stay focused on your 2010 New Year’s resolutions.
• Make a list of what you want to accomplish each day. Having specific daily goals instead of just relying on one long-term goal will help you stay focused.
• Reward yourself. After setting and meeting your daily goals, plan a little something nice for yourself. Having something to look forward to always makes it easier to do the hard things.
• Create accountability. Find someone in your circle of family or friends to whom you can be accountable and make periodic reports on your progress. This is a great way to involve your friends and family in your journey.
• Get professional assistance. Everyone needs help and sometimes a friend just isn't enough. Sometimes you need the help of a trained professional. Don't feel that seeking help is a weakness, especially when it comes to your mental and physical wellbeing.
If you think you could use some assistance in caring for a loved one or family member in the home, contact CareFocus Companion Services today for a free assessment.