{"id":7999,"date":"2017-02-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-02-02T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/maintain-your-new-years-resolutions-with-these-healthy-tips\/"},"modified":"2017-02-02T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2017-02-02T00:00:00","slug":"maintain-your-new-years-resolutions-with-these-healthy-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/es\/maintain-your-new-years-resolutions-with-these-healthy-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Maintain Your New Year\u2019s Resolutions with These Healthy Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Ru Ekanayake<\/p>\n

We\u2019re one month into the new year and while studies show that over 80% of resolutions focus on health and wellness– just 8% of resolutions are actually kept<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t lose hope though! As a partner of the Together Counts\u2122 program for healthy, active living, we think now is<\/em> a perfect time to keep the healthy, active lifestyle going.\u00a0 Here are our five favorite tips to have lasting impacts on your wellness in 2017.<\/p>\n

1. Set realistic, specific goals<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve all done the thing where we promise ourselves: \u201cI\u2019ll go to the gym every day, and only eat healthier choices moving forward.\u201d Setting the bar too high may lead to failure, discouragement, and eventually, giving up. Plus, these goals are way too general. Don\u2019t fall into this trap! Set small, quantifiable goals that you can actually achieve<\/em>. For example: instead of saying \u201cI\u2019m going to stay more hydrated\u201d, decide \u201cI\u2019m going to hydrate before every meal\/snack.\u201d You\u2019ll be surprised at how quickly these small steps will add up!<\/p>\n

2. Breathe. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Meditation is a great way to sift through your thoughts, relax and get into a good head space. Set aside just five minutes a day (my favorite time is right when I wake up) to decompress your body and still your mind. An easy technique is to inhale for four counts and exhale for four counts.<\/p>\n

3. Squad up and sweat!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Exercising is always WAY more fun with your friends. You can motivate each other and<\/em> spend some quality bonding time! I\u2019ve made some great memories jogging with my girls, struggling up hills and enjoying the view at the top–not to mention the endorphins! If running\u2019s not your thing, sign up for a Zumba class, or grab a ball for some pickup soccer–anything that gets your heart rate up is golden.<\/p>\n

4. Plan ahead.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

We don\u2019t always make the best decisions on an empty stomach–so plan your meals\/snacks beforehand! I like to cut up a bunch of veggies and keep them in the fridge in snack-sized portions. That way, when I\u2019m busy, I can just grab a bag and head out the door. Fresh fruit is also a great option–apple slices with peanut butter is a personal favorite!<\/p>\n

5. Cut yourself some slack.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nobody\u2019s perfect. Never beat yourself up if you miss a workout or eat a little more than you should. Plus, treats are important! Change isn\u2019t easy, nor is it quick. Know that you\u2019re taking small steps towards a better, healthier you, and as long as you keep working at it, 2017 will be your healthiest year yet!<\/p>\n

BIO:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ru Ekanayake<\/em><\/p>\n

2016 4-H Youth in Action National Winner<\/em><\/p>\n

Ruwanthi \u201cRu\u201d Ekanayake is the 2016 4-H Youth in Action Healthy Living and National Winner. She launched the first-ever 4<\/em>\u2011H Healthy Living blog, allowing 4<\/em>\u2011H\u2019ers to share their stories, build bridges and create national discussions about health. As a member of the National 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador Team, she is committed to helping people like their best lives by advocating a more holistic approach to healthy living that includes healthy nutritional habits, as well as mental and emotion well-being.<\/em><\/p>\n

For more healthy ideas to kick off your healthy, active 2017, take a look at these other articles from Together Counts!<\/p>\n