Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

It’s time for New Year Resolutions

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By Sayeh Woodman — Many of us will make a healthy New Year’s resolution — maybe to lose weight, quit smoking or save more — but what’s the best way to stick to it?  As the norm has it, apparently we only stick to our ‘new year’ resolutions for  three  months. So by March we give up.


So how do we stick to it? Apparently, we’re more likely to succeed if we break our resolution into smaller goals that are specific, measurable and time-based.


Don’t bombard yourself, or set yourself up to tumble before you’ve even started.  Make only one resolution. Your chances of success are greater when you channel energy into changing just one aspect of your behaviour.


Don’t wait until New Year’s Eve to choose your resolution. Take some time out a few days before and think about what you want to achieve.  If you ever want to make changes, please don’t wait for a new year! Make them now!


Avoid previous resolutions. Deciding to revisit a past resolution sets you up for frustration and disappointment.


Don’t run with the crowd and go with the usual resolutions. Instead think about what you really want out of life. Make it personal and a goal for yourself.


Break your goal into a series of steps, focusing on creating sub-goals that are concrete, measurable and time-based.


Tell your friends and family about your goals. You’re more likely to get support and want to avoid failure.


If they don’t support you, then bin them — straight to the point —  but you need encouragement.  Give yourself a small reward whenever you achieve a sub-goal, which will help to motivate you and give you a sense of progress.


Make your plans and progress concrete by keeping a handwritten journal, completing a computer spreadsheet or covering a notice board with graphs or pictures.


Be aware though; expect to revert to your old habits from time to time. Treat any failure as a temporary setback rather than a reason to give up altogether.


So, here are the top resolutions that people make when it comes to the New Year! I’m sure you can guess them!


Lose weight — Get practical tips to lose excess weight, including getting started, healthy food swaps, and set realistic targets then treat yourself.  Maybe create a 12 week plan.


Quit smoking is a top one! Boost your fitness with fun and practical ideas to help you get into shape, there’s loads on the Internet these days, or visit your local gym for guidance. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Come on, strive to get your five a day in!


— sayehwoodman@outlook.com


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