KEEPING UP THE NEW YEAR HIGH (Part I)

Guest Author: Ann Seelye, Health and Wellness Specialist

It usually starts around February, sometimes as late as March. Has it started for you yet? "I can't exercise today because I have to go into the office early . . . my son has a dentist appointment . . . it's too dark outside . . . " Bottom line, the New Year euphoria wears off. Did you make New Year's resolutions related to exercise, eating, getting healthier and losing weight? Have you set the same resolutions other years?

What is the problem with not meeting your resolutions? Maybe there's no problem, but if your resolution was meaningful to you, it's probably something you really want to do; something you believe will improve your quality of life. For example, if you're facing a health challenge, a new, more active lifestyle might be of great benefit to you. Often people feel hopeless about their ability to make meaningful changes and their self-esteem goes down. They feel depressed and this affects their quality of life, their relationships, and their work.

About 40-45% of people in the United States make New Year's resolutions and of that group about 40% make resolutions to get more exercise. Some research has shown that after the first week 75% are still maintaining their resolution, after two weeks 71%, after two months 64% and after six months 46%. So while the number drops off quite a bit, that's still 46% of those maintaining the new behaviors they committed to. But what about the other 54% who didn't keep their resolutions?

Some of the reasons people don't keep their resolutions are they set unrealistic goals, such as, "I'm going to exercise 6 days a week all year." They set too many goals: "I'm going to get organized, lose 50 pounds and eat healthily this year." They make their goals unclear, like "I'm going to get more fit."

Some people think it's the thing to do New Year's Eve so they make resolutions off the top of their head without any real thought behind it or intention to commit. Also, some people state their resolutions in absolutes such as, "I'm never going to eat cookies again. I'm always going to exercise on Monday, Wednesday and Friday." So some of the problem is in the goal setting itself. Do you recognize any of these tendencies in your resolutions?

However, if you made thoughtful resolutions and you feel yourself starting to slide, the good news is that it doesn't have to happen . . . (Learn more in Part II next month!)


For further ideas on this topic or any exercise related topics Ann Seelye is available for consultation. Ann Richmond Seelye is a freelance health and fitness writer and speaker in the Boston, Massachusetts area. She gives talks at companies, health clubs and via teleclasses. She is certified as a Personal Trainer, Alexander Teacher, Master Fitness By Phone(R) Coach, as well as an Intuitive Eating Coach. Ann sees clients at Healthworks Fitness Centers for Women, in a studio in Brookline and via telephone coaching and classes. She can be reached at 617-739-4704 or fitbyphone@aol.com.