A healty reset

As we welcome in the month of April we also bid farewell to the first quarter of 2018. Three months in and most of us are struggling to even remember our 2018 resolutions. Was this the year you were finally going to conquer your soda habit? Maybe you wanted to get in shape, get off some medicines, or improve your overall health. Whether you desired to check Facebook less or run a marathon, this is a perfect time for a healthy reset.

Hark back to that long forgotten moment on Jan. 1, 2018, where anything seemed possible, and remember your original goal. If you don't make New Year's resolutions create a goal today. I recommend two quick, immediate things you can do to dramatically increase your odds of achieving that goal.

First, write it down. Write down your goal right now. Research done by a psychology professor, Dr. Gail Matthews, showed that people who consistently take pen to paper with written goals improve their odds of achieving those goals by 42 percent. Furthermore, break down your goal into smaller, achievable victories. If your goal is to lose 20 pounds divide that over a time frame. For example, make a goal of losing four pounds each month for the next 5 months.

Next, grab a partner. A 2005 study by Brown Medical School and Dartmouth University showed that individuals with an accountability group or partner lose significantly more weight than those striking out on their own. This is ideally a person that you are close with and see on a regular basis. Find someone that you feel comfortable holding accountable and will push you to be your best.

Last, give yourself the gift of a reset day. According to a recent survey by Glassdoor, the average American employee leaves 46 percent of their paid vacation days unused. Take one of these glorious days off and spend some time away from the hustle and bustle to discover what is really important in your life. Refocus on your health, your faith, your hopes and dreams, and spend a day that is all about you. You are worth it.

If you have fallen off the wagon take heart. There is still three-fourths of a year to go -- plenty of time for a healthy reset.

-- Dr. Rex Harris is a family physician practicing in Siloam Springs, specializing in the health and wellness of the entire family. Send your questions or comments to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Community on 04/11/2018