Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Failing at your New Year’s resolutions already? Science can help you achieve them

Image

 

Failing at your New Year’s resolutions already? Science can help you achieve them

 

About 64% of people give up on their New Year's resolutions by the end of January, according to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

 

Luckily, science tells us that in order to achieve more, we should actually do less. It might seem counterintuitive, but it's easier to work on one or two habits rather than striving to improve all aspects of yourself at once.

 

Changes in thinking and behavior take about two months to build, explained Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist based in Dallas. When you divide up a year, that’s five or six goals you can reach every year.

 

Leaf recommends that people find one or two specific goals to work on in nine-week increments. Then break it down even further so you have a small goal to accomplish each week. 

 

“Small changes that you make each month won't feel so intimidating, and you won't feel as worn out by achieving them," Leaf said.

 

Another tip is to change your mindset. Trying to lose weight is a goal many of us set at the beginning of the year, but it can be difficult to achieve.

 

Instead of thinking of this just in terms of shedding pounds, think of eating better as boosting your immune system and protecting yourself from getting sick. Reminding yourself of the other benefits of healthy choices can keep you motivated.

 

For example, a scientist friend I speak with regularly recommended that I keep a detailed food journal along with a few items that I wanted to measure, like mood, creativity, and willingness to work and exercise.

 

It became really clear to me that when I would eat pickles instead of chips, my metrics would always be high. I could sit down and write a paper. I could go for a run. I felt great, my mood was elevated, and I had high energy.

 

Now, it might not be pickles for you, but journaling to keep track of the other benefits of healthy choices can keep you on the right track.


No comments:

Post a Comment