Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

The start of a new year is the perfect time to make changes involving health and wellness. For many people, that means making resolutions—but developing new habits can be a challenge.

Have you set any resolutions for the new year? If so, keep reading for ways to help make those resolutions stick.

Make Your Goal Personal  

Start with a resolution that is important to you. You may find it easier to stick with a new habit when you believe the goal is meaningful.

For example, losing weight is a common resolution, but you may want to consider something more focused, like exercising for 30 minutes a day or eating more fruits and vegetables to control your blood sugar.

If you don't know how to start, it will be harder to reach your goal. You could be discouraged if you don't see results quickly, prompting you to quit trying. Personal, focused resolutions with clear actions tend to be more achievable.

Make an Action Plan

Before you get started, write down the steps you need to take to reach your goal. As you complete them, you'll get the satisfaction of checking things off your list!

For example, eating healthier may include:

• Using one less teaspoon of sugar in your coffee
• Eating one more serving of vegetables each day
• Drinking water instead of soda at lunch

Remember: Most resolutions take time—quick results may not be possible. The good news is that an action plan can keep you on track. 

Ask for Help

You may have friends or neighbors who are also trying to form new habits. Ask them to check with you frequently to see how you're doing with your goals – and you can do the same for them. That extra support can make a big difference!

Forgive Yourself if You Slip Up

If you get off track, don't be too hard on yourself. Making resolutions is easy – but sticking to them is much harder. Try focusing on what you've been able to achieve so far, and consider setting a smaller, more manageable goal to get yourself back on track.

What Should You Do Next?

If you've made a resolution to improve your health and wellness, you are off to a great start. Creating an action plan, asking for help and focusing on small, manageable goals will help you stick with it.

Take Charge of Your Health in the New Year and Get Rewarded Along the Way!

PCHP members who complete certain wellness activities—like checkups, screenings, or getting a flu shot—can earn rewards for gift cards and other healthy items.

Benefits and value-added services were current at the time of publication. Click here for the current list.