As revelers ring in the New Year, many will also be pledging a personal goal to accomplish in 2012.
Many resolutions revolve around stepping up exercise, losing weight, saving money, or quitting smoking. If one of these are among your goals for 2012, below are some tips to help you make it stick!
If you want to get started on an exercise plan the National Institute of Health suggests starting small.
You can be physically active every day for one extended period of time, or you can break it up into shorter sessions of 20, 15, or even 10 minutes. Health experts say starting with a brisk walk will get you started on a successful path to better health. Always check first with your doctor.
You may also have a better chance of keeping your exercise consistent with the help of an 'exercise buddy'. Make a healthier lifestyle a team effort!
By exercising more you will also be on track for losing weight. According to Munson Healthcare's Weight Loss/Managment Center eating healthy is key.
Take the time to research what a healthy eating plan consists of. The National Institutes of Health suggests the plan should emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products; include lean meats, poultry fish, bean, eggs and nuts; and be low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugar.
You can also keep track of what you eat by writing everything down and eating smaller meals throughout the day.
If your resolution involves quitting smoking there are some resources to help you reach your goal.
The Michigan Department of Community Health has dedicated a web page of resources to help you understand what nicotine triggers to avoid and set up ways to deal with the urge.
There are also free or low cost medications to help you in the effort. Details on the program are available by clicking here.
If your New Year's goal is to save money The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission offers some keys to finding the your financial success. Make a financial plan, pay off high interest debts and start saving and investing as soon as your debts are paid and gone.
It takes knowing your financial situation and knowing what you want to accomplish. You should determine your liabilities and assets, and know your income and expenses. These are the first steps to help you find the money needed to help pay off debts and save a little.
Are you planning on making a New Year's resolution? Tell us "Your Point of View" by taking part in the poll below and leaving your comments on what you plan to pledge!
