Raise of hands, who made a New Year’s resolution?

On the first of January we were excited for the New Year. A time for new beginnings and fresh starts. With enthusiasm you saw changes you want to make in your life and made a New Year’s resolution. Maybe more than one. 

Here we are at the end of January and how are you doing on those goals? The truth is while we start out strong, it is really common to fall off those good intentions within a couple of weeks. 

So, let’s see what you can do to get back on track for becoming healthy and happy in the upcoming year. Try the tips below and do a restart on those New Year’s resolutions.

Get on track for success.

Two common resolutions are to lose weight and get more exercise. To reach those goals prepare ahead and decide exactly how to achieve your goals. Consider what you are going to do – when, where, and how. 

Collect recipes and foods you will enjoy. Get a scale. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes or go check out the gym. To set goals, start small and build up. If you want to lose weight, make a goal of losing 5 lbs. and celebrate when you reach it. Know that if you can reach that goal, you can set another 5 lbs. goal and keep going.

For exercise try walking for 10 minutes each day and after a week, up it to 15 minutes. Each week, build on this goal. The same for the gym. Keep track of your progress. Make a chart of weight loss. Keep a calendar and put a star on days you walk or work out. Do something special for hitting bigger milestones such as losing 20 lbs. or being able to walk for 30 minutes. 

Build a support system.

Support is important. Do you know someone with the same goals? Get a wellness buddy. It is a lot more fun with someone by your side. Be sure to set up times to get together to exercise or talk about how you are doing. 

Also, you can get your family involved for better health for yourself and family members. Other support includes talking to a nutritionist, getting a gym trainer, and joining a class. There are also support groups locally and online. 

Don’t lose sight of your WHY.

Wellness includes what makes us happy and these goals need to be included. Enjoying life and having fun are the foundations of health. Make a list of things you like or have always wanted to try. Each week pick out one and commit to doing it. This could be a hobby, a nature walk, or reading a special book. Just think outside the box and get off your computer or iPhone. 

Research shows that lifelong happiness is based on the support of good relationships. Be sure to include things like a family game night, lunch with friends, or day trips and outings with friends or family. 

If you are struggling with relationships, setting goals, or other life issues know that Southern Ute Behavioral Health has great staff to support you. Just give us a call at 970-563-5700. 

Wishing you Wellness. Reminder: If you need to talk to someone, please reach out.

It’s okay not to feel okay. Please contact us if you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Don’t hesitate to contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division or the Native Connections Program at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist. 

Or you can call the NEW Nationwide Suicide and Substance Use Crisis line: 9-8-8.

Simply calling or texting 988 or chatting at 988Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. #988Lifeline 

And for those interested in opioid use education, harm reduction, and support, please contact us for quick Naloxone (Narcan) training and fentanyl test strips. We can schedule individual, family, or friends training times at our Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building, or we can come to you, and the training is around 30 minutes. 

Please call us at 970-563-5700 to set up a training appointment.