New year:new you

Ringing in the new year can often come with idealist expectations. For example maybe you will make it to the gym 365 days this year but on the off chance you don't it is important to remember that even the little changes can make a big difference. So a suggestion: make resolutions this year that you will actually be able to keep. The big idea here is to start slow as there is plenty of research out there to back up the more we ease into changes the more likely we are to stick with them. Let's say your new years resolution is to work out 5 days a week. That is a great goal but take a step back and evaluate ...how often do you make it to the gym now? Maybe your goal should be to make it to the gym more often in general. Maybe you just add on an extra day or hour to your workout schedule but the important thing is you are setting yourself up to succeed and be healthy at the same time. A lot of us get so wrapped up in the idea that new year resolutions need to be these huge, life- altering changes but really wouldn't you feel good about yourself if you packed a salad for lunch 3 times a week instead of went-out- to- eat for less than stellar food? Download a few new work-out songs that get your heart pumping and head out on a jog or hit the treadmill at your local gym. Pick out a new work-out outfit that gets you motivated to get out of bed in the morning at least a few times a week. Remember a baby does not learn to walk in a day, they stumble and fall but what makes the event so miraculous is they get back up and keep trying. This year let that be your motto: get up and keep trying.