Martial Art Institute

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

Most of us look upon the beginning of the new year with some sort of idea on changes to our lifestyle. What is your new year's resolution or is it none at all?

There are probably many things we like to change, and the list is so huge that thinking about it will make you retreat back to your old habits again. Therefore, it is more tactical if you set yourself fewer targets and easier to achieve.

I think when people make drastic changes and the changes becomes extremely demanding, then it is unlikely the resolutions will work (with the exception the few). For example, if you are use to eating excessive amount of high calories foods such as sweets and chocolates regularly, and you want to reduce body fat and increase general fitness. Rather giving up your most favourite food completely, you can cut back the amount you eat and praise and reward yourself with something you enjoy doing.

In this case, we are looking at general fitness. So, a little bit cognitive restructuring (sorry about lingo, it is consciously changing your thoughts or attitude) by praising yourself and reward yourself with a let's say 20 minutes walk in the woods or 30 minutes in the gym or absolutely anything physically active that you enjoy a lot.

The above example relates to eating and exercise for weight management, however, the same principle of setting realistic goals and changing behaviour can be applied to many situation.

Good luck, and give it time to work. Pacing yourself is paramount!!