Jump Start Your Health and Wellness Resolutions Before the New Year

On Nov 18, 2019

Disclaimer: Sponsored content articles do not reflect the opinions of New Jersey Business magazine or the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

We are about to dive head first into the holiday season and as you welcome family and friends into your home, thinking about what you want to achieve in 2020 may not be at the top of your mind. But what if we started thinking about our list of New Year’s resolutions a little earlier and a bit differently, then will this be the year we stick to them?

While yes, starting now could be one of the best things you can do, the reality is New Year’s resolutions work because they are a great mental marker to prompt you into action. Why not use the time leading up to the New Year to stop and plan realistic goals, that if done properly can lead to a positive attitude and an overall benefit for your health and well-being?

There are two ways of looking at your goals – the first is to make one or two goals that are specific, measurable and realistic. Let’s take exercising more and losing weight as an example – using the first approach you can outline how much weight you would ideally like to lose, which specific diet and workout regimen you’d like to follow and what date you have in mind. While taking this approach may better your chances of achieving your goal, I encourage you to also consider another way to think about goal setting.

Instead of focusing on how much weight you want to lose and by when – why not think about the other benefits you may see as a result of exercising more. Exercise has been known to help reduce stress and improve your overall mental health. Taking this approach, allows you to walk away getting something out of your resolution and could help foster good habits that you won’t break by Spring.

Thinking about your New Year’s resolutions now, and in a new way, might just be the key to success.

Dr. Frank L. Urbano, MBA, FACP, is senior medical director for AmeriHealth New Jersey.

Disclaimer: Sponsored content articles do not reflect the opinions of New Jersey Business magazine or the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

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