Reframe New Year’s Resolutions to achieve success

McArthur Family YMCA
By Karina Gilchrist
Member Experience Director
January 15, 2019 4:00 p.m.

It’s hard to believe that we are midway through the first month of the New Year. As you continue to settle back into life post-holidays, now is a really good time to check-in with yourself and evaluate those hefty New Year’s resolutions you made on Dec. 31.

If your resolutions are still going strong – keep it up! However, many of us find our resolutions thrown out along with the holiday decorations. It’s no wonder—starting the New Year by making sweeping cuts to our diets and declarations that we’ll hit the gym seven days a week doesn’t exactly set us up for success! But by reframing resolutions and breaking them down into smaller, easy-to-sustain goals you’ll see big benefits in the long run.

As a leading community service organization here in Nassau County we see how getting involved in the community and making lifestyle changes can change someone’s life for the better. Here are five New Year’s resolutions the McArthur Family YMCA recommends for 2019:

1. Move More: It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.

2. Swap a Soda a Day: It may be difficult but cutting soda can do wonders for your body. If you can’t cut it entirely, resolve to swap one soda a day for a large glass of water instead. Once you’ve been able to swap one out, see if you can cut soda entirely.

3. Schedule Family-Time: With work, school, and activities family-time may seem like an impossible ask, but see if your family can have a “screen-free” night with no phones, video games, etc. Instead, use that time to play a board game, play outside or visit with family and friends.

4. Volunteer Your Time: Giving back and supporting neighbors can benefit everyone involved. Not only is it a personally rewarding experience to help others in need, but it’s also a way to meet new people or discover an interest. Find an opportunity in your community, such as reading to children at the library or distributing food at a local food bank.

5. Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs.

For additional tips or to learn more about how to get involved with the McArthur Family YMCA contact 904.261.1080 or visit https://fcymca.org/.

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Chris Bryan
Chris Bryan (@guest_54401)
5 years ago

Great article! Come join us at the Y!!!