Managing Your Health

Regardless of the time of year that we decide to eat better, exercise more, or be less stressed, it can be hard to make a lifestyle change, and even harder to make it stick. But there is a way to up your chances of success. Experts say efforts to make lifestyle changes are more likely to produce results if they are SMART - that is, specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based. If you're thinking of making a change, see if your goal can pass the SMART test: 1. Set a very specific goal. For example: I will add one fruit serving - that's half a cup, chopped - to my current daily diet. 2. Find a way to measure progress. For example, I will log my efforts each day on my calendar. 3. Make sure it's achievable. For example, don't set a goal of daily 5 mile run if you're out of shape. If you can't safely or reasonably accomplish your goal, set a smaller, achievable one. 4. Make sure it's realistic. It may seem counterintuitive, but choos

Maybe you plan to ring in 2020 with a new resolve to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more, not sweat the small stuff. And maybe these resolutions sound familiar - maybe just like the ones you made a year ago! So how can you ensure that your determination to get healthier in 2020 sticks around past Valentine's Day? By creating new habits. Creating new habits takes time and energy. A new behavior won't become automatic overnight, but you may enjoy some of its benefits fairly quickly Also, as you start to take walks regularly or engage in stress-soothing practices frequently, you'll find you won't fee quite right if you stop. That's a great incentive to continue. So, keep nudging yourself in the direction you'd like to go. And try the following seven tips to help you create long-lasting change. 1. Dream big. Audacious goals are compelling. Want to compete in a marathon or triathlon? Lose 50 pounds or just enough to fit into clothes you once loved? With