As many of us contemplate the coming year with our pants unbuttoned and our belts loosened after one too many holiday dinners, it’s easy to think about all the ways we’re going to change our lives for the better with the turn of the calendar’s page.
Each January, almost half of all Americans and one-third of all Canadians make New Year’s Resolutions. And, it’s no surprise that among the top resolutions made each year, “Lose Weight” and “Get fit and healthy” rank high.
New Years and resolutions go hand in hand and there’s no better time for a fresh start than now. But the cynical among us would argue that resolutions don’t work. And they’re not entirely wrong. Only eight per cent of those who make New Year’s resolutions actually succeed in keeping them.
So, the big question here is how can we head into the New Year and make positive changes that will stick?
The biggest factor is making sure that your goals are sustainable in the first place. Big time change doesn’t happen overnight. Although we may be tempted to make a list of ways we want to change that rivals our pre-holiday shopping list, the result would leave us overwhelmed and, in the end, disappointed.
An article on the American Psychological Association’s website reminds us that we need to view the whole concept of New Year’s resolutions through a different lens. “The New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. Instead, it is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behaviour and promise to make positive lifestyle changes,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD.
“Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1st can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” Bufka continues.
“Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time.”
At Active Goods we’re all about healthy lifestyles and integrating movement into your daily life. We advocate changing your life one step at a time, literally.
According to the American Heart Association, walking is the easiest form of activity to implement into a busy daily schedule, and has the lowest dropout rate of any form of exercise.
We recognize that building physical activity into your day has its challenges. If you work in an office, you may spend long hours at a desk. Students can while away hours in lectures or libraries, reading and studying. And if you work at home, the pressure to be efficient with your time might keep you on your chair longer than is healthy.
That’s why we offer great solutions to get you moving while you work—like the Walktop treadmill desk. In fact, at Active Goods you can find a whole range of workplace wellness solutions to get you moving at the office or at home. Check out our great selection of products today.
This year, making a New Year’s resolution that will stick has never been easier.
There’s no better time than now to get moving into the New Year and towards a new you.