Make healthy changes any time of the year

Many people use the New Year to make lifestyle changes, but you can make healthy changes any time of the year.

Changing a behavior or multiple behaviors is a commitment and takes dedication as well as forgiveness. Identify what behavior, or behaviors you would like to change. For example, are you hoping to improve your health by exercising more and incorporating healthier foods into your diet? Next, identify your goal(s) that you would like to accomplish and make sure they are manageable. Useful goals should be specific, attainable, and forgiving. If increasing fruit and vegetables is what you want to achieve, then set a goal that indicates how much fruit and vegetables per day and when you plan to eat them. Do you want to go to the gym more often? Try making a goal that indicates how much, how often, when and with whom. If you are having trouble staying motivated, remind yourself why you wanted this in the first place.

Amy Every
Senior Communication Consultant | Marketing Communications
Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare
mayoclinichealthsystem.org