WKNO is joining the Church Health Center to bring you Life Matters, tips and suggestions for making healthier choices.
Now that it’s March, how are those New Year’s resolutions coming along?
Let’s face it, getting exercise in the middle of winter can be challenging.
So, what do we do? We set irrational goals…. goals like avoiding all sweets (even though your friends call you cookie monster), or working out every day (knowing that sweating is not your thing).
While there’s nothing wrong with changing things up, you must do it intentionally.
That’s where SMART goals come in. That’s S – M – A –R – T goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
Here’s a recipe for failure: setting a goal to work out every day for an hour if your usual routine is once or twice every two weeks. Or planning to eat a healthy vegetable every day if you normally eat one once a week.
Remember, make your goal SMART. Start off with working out or walking/ 2-3 times a week for 30-45 minutes each time, which can be broken up in 10 minute increments. Also, consider maybe having a healthy prepared vegetable at least 2-3 times a week.
And, if that’s not simple enough, then decrease the time and days. Just make sure you increase your times, days or intensity once you adjust to your new habits.
Remember with change comes progress! I’m Erica Walters with the Church Health Center.
If you have a health question for Life Matters send an e-mail to health@wkno.org