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Resolutions are creeping up on us — we can almost seeing them lurking behind all the winter comfort foods and holiday cocktails. But who says we have to wait until the new year to start thinking about our health goals?
Going all in once the calendar flips to 2023, without a gradual transition, can set you up for failure. After all, one of the biggest obstacles people face when tackling resolutions is starting off strong, but then having motivation quickly dwindle within a few weeks. If we start taking small steps now, we can make the transition a more gradual one, making it easier to incorporate changes into our routine and stick with them.
Research shows that small accomplishments signal the reward circuitry in our brains, this releases feel-good chemicals making us feel more confident, boosting our self-esteem and fueling our intrinsic motivation. So while these habits may seem like no-brainers, mastering them now can make a huge difference in your motivation level next month.
So what are some small goals you can begin with that will help you jump-start your New Year’s health goals? I’ve included some ideas to get you started. Pick one to start with, and then add an additional habit each week this month. Don’t forget to acknowledge your victories (no matter how small) as you go. Over the next few weeks you will slowly gain momentum, setting yourself up to take off running in the new year!
1. Drink a glass of water every morning
By now you’ve probably heard the recommended advice of drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water daily. But if that seems like an impossible feat, or if you’re already doing that, try out this simple way to drink more. Set out a water bottle or a glass of water next to your coffee machine so that in the mornings, before you take a sip of anything else, you’ll drink a glass of…
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