Set reasonable goals to become healthier you in 2012

A new year is right around the corner—which means it’s time to take a look at our habits of the past year and think of ways to improve on them in 2012.

Our lists typically include resolutions to exercise daily, eat a healthier and lower calorie diet, reduce stress, quit smoking, consume less alcohol, etc.

But how has that approach worked for you in the past? This year, why not try a different approach? I have no doubt you can do it if you give it a try.

Here are some tips on changing current habits that can help you achieve your goals.

1. Pick small attainable goals that you can build on. Instead of setting a goal to lose 10 pounds, strive for making changes to your dietary habits such as cutting out high calorie beverages, using “light” vs. full fat items, or baking, broiling or grilling vs. frying foods, etc.

Little changes can make a big impact on your caloric intake.

Follow the same rule when it comes to exercise. You don’t have to walk 10 miles per day, just start by walking more than you do currently.

Take the stairs, park further away, walk to the store, get up and walk around the house during commercials, etc.

These small changes in activity coupled with adjustments to your eating habits will make a difference in your waistline.

2. Reduce stress. One reason we’re so stressed is that the last person we make time for is ourselves.

Try to identify the cause of your stress and work to alleviate it.

Getting enough sleep is one way to rid yourself of stress.

Personally, I had trouble sleeping until I purchased an inexpensive self-hypnosis CD.

You may giggle at this one, but I have to tell you I have never slept better.

And the breathing techniques that I learned from the CD also help me through stressful situations during the day. Seriously, try it!

Journaling can help get your thoughts and feelings out. It often helps you feel better just to get those negative feelings out.

Also, when you go back and read your journal, you may have a different perspective on the situation.

Engage in an activity or workout that will help release those feel-good endorphins.

Try yoga, which incorporates breathing exercises, meditation, and light exercise.

One session brings initial stress relief, and continued practice brings greater resilience to stress. It’s one of the more potent stress relievers.

3. Break your bad habits. Most of life is habitual. Did you know that it is estimated that out of every 11,000 signals we receive from our senses, our brain only consciously processes 40?

If you have more than one bad habit that you would like to break, only work on one at a time and find a reasonable replacement for it.

For example, if you’re trying to quit smoking, suck on hard candy; or in place of salty, high fat chips, snack on some crunchy carrots.

Consult the current issue of Real Simple magazine which is filled with other helpful tips on how to change your habits.

The information is also available on-line at the magazine’s website.

I hope you find these ideas to be helpful. Remember, small changes can add up to big results!

I hope you all have a fabulous New Year…Good Luck!!!