Finding balance in the new year

As the new year begins, resolutions to live a healthier life flood in. These include commitments on losing weight, being more active, or making better food choices. The excitement is high, with gyms crowded, healthy products promoted, and social media filled with pledges.

However, this enthusiasm tends to fade quickly. Research conducted by the Ohio State University shows that 80 per cent of people forget their resolutions by February, but 46 per cent still stick to them after six months, exposing real challenges people face in sustaining healthy habits.

One common problem is setting unrealistic expectations, such as aiming for overly ambitious goals or making drastic changes from current habits. This can often result in quick disappointment. Whether the goal is realistic or not, choosing actions that are too demanding can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation as the initial excitement fades.

As such, it is important to consider not just the goal itself, but also the steps taken to achieve it. Finding a balance by setting a personalised plan with realistic goals and manageable action steps is crucial to prevent burnout and sustain long-term commitment. This enhances the likelihood of achieving and maintaining your health resolutions.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH APPROACH

Beyond the initial burst of New Year’s enthusiasm, the importance of maintaining healthy habits all year round cannot be overstated. Prioritising year-round health maintenance contributes to a holistic sense of well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health, fostering an overall positive state. A well-nourished body is better at fighting illnesses year-round.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet and self-care contribute to healthy weight or body composition, as well as reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Adopting a comprehensive health approach provides lasting benefits, extending beyond physical well-being to encompass mental and emotional wellness.

While the benefits of year-round health maintenance are numerous, neglecting consistent and healthy habits carry profound consequences. As the initial excitement of the new year resolution fades, sticking to health commitments become challenging. Healthy lifestyle changes play a crucial role in preventing, delaying or managing various chronic diseases.

DIRECT FINANCIAL TOLL

Neglecting your health is not just a choice; it is a gamble with the most precious gift – your life. These choices significantly heighten the chances of developing life-altering, chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. For those already grappling with existing conditions, neglecting health can exacerbate the illness, make it more difficult to manage, and also increase the risk of complications.

These consequences can manifest in specific complications, ranging from heightened susceptibility to infections and the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes to the potential need for amputations. Each complication not only adds a layer of physical burden, but also significantly impacts your overall quality of life.

They infiltrate your daily existence, affecting everything from your physical well-being to your mental resilience and strain on your finances.

Overlooking your health carries a direct financial toll. The costs associated with managing chronic conditions, including medications, frequent hospital stays, and ongoing treatments, can quickly accumulate. This financial strain extends beyond medical expenses, impacting your ability to work consistently, leading to missed opportunities, and potentially jeopardising your overall financial well-being.

Inconsistent health choices tire your mind, affecting focus, memory, and thinking. This not only impacts your work, but also your relationships and overall happiness. Emotional well-being takes a hit too, causing mood swings, stress, and challenges in coping with life. These stressors can hinder efforts to stick to common new year resolutions, such as maintaining a healthy weight, adding an emotional roller coaster to a balanced lifestyle.

In the journey to lasting health, set realistic goals, create a sustainable plan, and embrace a long-term mindset. Consider the impact of your choices, not just on the ‘new year’, but also on your overall physical well-being, preventing disease, and strengthening your relationships for the vibrant life you could lead.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com Source: Dr Rivane Chybar Virgo; John Hopkins Medicine