With the new year approaching, many of us are beginning to plan our New Year's Resolutions. We all know resolutions can be tough to stick with so we need to help each other out.
At Oscar, we want to help you stay on top of your health goals by sharing some tips on how to set and attain them. Whether you’re hoping to stop smoking, drop a few pant sizes, become physically active or stronger, we’re here to help.
Today, I’m going to talk about how to set a SMART goal that will hopefully help to get your whole family moving in a positive direction for the New Year.
All our family members are different and we all have different health needs, from our young children to older adults. Let’s take a few moments to think about what those health needs might be and how we can encourage each other to meet goals based on those needs.
Setting SMART Goals
A quick refresher on SMART goals. A SMART goal is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely or time-oriented.
If we’re going to choose something like, “my family and I would like to be more physically active for the New Year.” That’s awesome. That’s a good start.
So, how can we match a SMART goal to that want?
How about, “My family and I will walk at the park at least one mile, three times per week by February 1st.” This is aligned with the SMART method.
Turning resolutions into long-term habits
A few tips for turning your New Year's Resolution into a habit that sticks:
Get your shoes or your workout gear on or have them somewhere readily available for you to just pick up and quickly put on when it’s time for you to get out there and start exercising. This will help decrease time and increase motivation for you.
Be flexible. We have to acknowledge that things will come up that prevent us from going one day. Say it’s raining and you’re not able to go outside that day to the park. That’s okay! Still, get your exercise gear on, have your family get ready, and there’s something that you can do inside to be physically active such as jumping jacks, push ups, sit ups.
We can all do that as a family. Anything to get our heart rates up and moving. You'd be surprised at what the little ones can do and they probably would be surprised at you too.
Motivating one another
Remember to encourage each other. Your kids will probably encourage you and you do the same with them. They’re sponges at any age. They are always watching and looking to see what you’re doing. You’re their best role model.
Be real and honest with them too. If it’s tough for you to get started, you don’t feel like working out, you can tell them that. — “Today, I just feel tired, I don’t feel like exercising, but I’m going to do it anyway because I know that it’s going to make me feel better."
I hope these tips help. At Oscar we want to encourage you to take some time to reflect on your values and goals, and what you want to achieve this coming year. This year is going to be a great fresh start for everyone so think positively and try your best.
*Oscar’s Virtual Urgent Care offerings vary by market and may not be available in your service area. Prescriptions, visits and services may be limited per provider discretion. Prescriptions, visits and services may be limited per provider discretion.
This content does not constitute medical advice and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, including diagnosis or treatment. Contact your physician with any questions you may have regarding COVID-19 or your personal health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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