In another month, most of us will announce to family and friends the resolutions we plan to pursue, achieve and maintain in 2014.

You know the drill: Bright-eyed and speaking with conviction, you vow to eat better, lose weight, exercise more, stress less and be an all-around healthier person. Most likely, your resolutions are the same every year.

Change the Pattern

Why not shake things up a bit and get a head start on your New Year resolutions? If it takes three weeks to develop a habit, and you begin working now on annual goals, imagine how far along you will be when the glittery ball drops and kisses are exchanged at midnight on January 1.

Consider this: Between now and New Year’s Day, you could drop a minimum of four pounds by cutting 500 calories a day or burning them with exercise. Feeling really motivated? Cut back and exercise to lose two pounds a week, or eight pounds before the year is out, which could be enough to allow you to toss the Spanx or at least feel hopeful that the day is on the horizon when you can.

Paying attention to the scale during the holiday season will also keep you from piling on extra pounds from seasonal food and drink. But counting calories is not enough. You need to move and sweat. 

Too cold to go to the gym? Walking, jogging or running outdoors not going to happen? Increase your pulse without leaving home. No special gym memberships or clothes are needed. 

Move More at Home 

See also
4 Self-Care Practices for Nurses

Burn fat by marching in place while watching a favorite television program or two. Start off by only marching during the commercials to build your stamina.  Push yourself to go longer each day until you can march or jog through an entire hourlong episode. Not only are you off the couch, but something positive comes out of watching bad reality TV.  

Whether you want to quit smoking, get more sleep or find a satisfying job, why wait another month to begin the steps needed to achieve your goals? Use December to jumpstart your resolutions so on New Year’s Day the only promise you’ll make to yourself  is to keep the momentum going.


Robin Farmer is a freelance writer focused on health, education and business. Visit her at RobinFarmerWrites.com. 

Robin Farmer
Latest posts by Robin Farmer (see all)
Ad
Share This