Wanting to lose weight or quit smoking are often resolutions made at the beginning of the New Year. Meg Baker, one University of Alabama at Birmingham wellness expert says there is a key ingredient to being successful health-wise in the coming year. About half of the most popular resolutions made each year are health-related, according to the United States government. In addition to losing weight and quitting smoking, they include eating healthier foods, getting fit, managing stress and drinking less alcohol.
Meg Baker says while the focus on self-improvement is good, an individual must be ready to make a change in order to actually do so. “Readiness to change is a big factor,” Baker said. “Based on the stages of the change model: precontemplation (unwilling to make a change), contemplation (considering a lifestyle change) and action, you have to want to change your lifestyle to successfully improve your health.”
Develop small, short-term goals that will fit into your schedule; these should be realistic. Consider the benefits and reasons for the change. Talk to a family member, friend or co-worker about goals, this accountability will increase the possibility of your staying committed to a new gym plan or quit-smoking play, and they may want to join you.
Baker says starting small increases the possibility of success. Find a form of exercise that you love, make small nutritional changes like packing a lunch or cooking dinner at home, and get digital reinforcements by using tracking systems and apps.
Additionally, Baker says, because so much time is spent at work, it is a good idea to consider signing up for workplace wellness programs, if offered. “Many companies want to see their employees thrive, so they will offer incentives to help them improve their health, like the My Health Rewards program we are starting at UAB,” Baker said. “Whether it is to improve your energy level, improve mood, combat health conditions and disease, or to be there for your kids, future, there’s always a reason that a resolution was made,” Baker said.
“So when the going gets tough, remind yourself of why you’re making a lifestyle change, and this will keep you motivated.” Also, consider modifications to the new plan if it isn’t viable. Baker said, “If the new plan proves it can’t be done, switch things up. Variety is the key to life and can keep you from getting burned out.”
【小题1】What does the passage mainly tell us?| A．At the beginning of the New Year people want to lose weight. |
| B．At the beginning of the New Year people want to quit smoking. |
| C．Readiness to keep fit is the most popular New Year’s resolution. |
| D．Readiness to change is important to commit to the New Year’s resolutions. |
| A．if you develop small, short-term goals, you will succeed |
| B．people should not develop big, long-term goals |
| C．sharing goals with others can help people keep to their plans |
| D．the resolutions made at the beginning of the New Year are hard to achieve |
| A．Negative. | B．Positive. | C．Unconcerned. | D．Doubtful. |
| A．practical | B．detailed | C．original | D．perfect |
