The change of year is a favorite time to make resolutions. Whether the plan is to exercise more, spend more time relaxing with the family, or making healthier meal choices, there is no lack of good intentions. Unfortunately, many of these plans wane as the snows start to melt. We developed some tips to help make the resolutions last through the new year.

1. The key is to make attainable and realistic resolutions. If you have not been exercising, start slow. Don’t make a resolution to exercise for an hour every day. Plan to start with 10 to 15 minutes five days a week. Once you have your routine established then you can increase the time or intensity of the exercise.

If the goal is to eat healthier, start by adding one fruit or vegetable to dinner, then slowly add more, increase the variety, even add some delicious gluten-free whole grains like quinoa or wild rice.

2. Choose activities you enjoy. If you enjoy swimming, walking or gardening, use these activities to meet your exercise goal. You are more likely to succeed if you enjoy what you are doing.
For family time, choose activities the whole family can enjoy - such as board games, hiking, or even a family dinner and movie night at home.

3. Include family or friends for support. You are more likely to get out there and be active if you know someone else is counting on you. Having an exercise buddy helps both of you to maintain the routine and succeed.

4. Measure your successes, not your missed opportunities. Focus on what you have accomplished rather than what is left to be done. This way, each step toward success will help promote the next. If we focus on what we have not done, we may not get as far. The most important thing is to make the changes stick, no matter how small or how few. Your next year’s resolutions will then build on this year’s successes!