News
Wellness Resolutions - What Are Yours?
December 27, 2011
by Deb Ewing, D.O., Family Practice Physician, Kewanee Hospital Family Health Clinic
It’s that time of year when we’re expected to make New Year’s resolutions. As a physician, I hope you’ll consider making a Wellness Resolution. Consider changes that could make your life healthier. Exercise…stop smoking…go on a diet…these are all important, but feel free to think beyond these ideas. Then structure your resolution for success.
What aspect of your life could you choose? The physical facet readily comes to mind, but also consider intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social changes. Do you need to sharpen your mind by attending a class, working on puzzles or studying a topic at home, on the computer or at the library? Do you need to manage stress, anxiety or depression? Would making or renewing a connection with God or nature fulfill a need? Would you choose to develop connections with people? Perhaps spending time volunteering, in any capacity, would be an improvement in your life.
Remember to choose a resolution that works for you. While caring for yourself does enable you to care more for others, you are doing this for you and not for someone else.
After selecting the aspect/facet of your resolution, choose one portion of it to work on. Regarding physical health, this could include eating properly, and more specifically eating a single meal properly, for example, a balanced breakfast including high-fiber carbohydrates (cereal, bread, muffin, bagel, fresh fruit) and protein (milk, yogurt, meat, tofu, egg) daily. Drinking more water and less coffee or soda each day would be another choice.
Structuring your resolution for success includes setting a realistic goal, deciding on specific steps, writing a positive plan, building a support team and tracking your progress.
Already sounding complicated? Make your plan as easy as possible. Take one step at a time, including making your plan. Understand that more than likely something will happen to disrupt your initial plan. Be prepared to either get back on track or to make an alternative plan. Let your family, friends and co-workers encourage you. Get professional help if needed. Appreciate your successes and build on them.
It’s never too early or too late to make a resolution to have a healthier year.
