Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Winter 2018

6 | Winter 2018 How to keep those New Year’s resolutions from unraveling I t’s that time of year when many of us sing an old familiar tune — and it’s not “Auld Lang Syne.” Around New Year’s, we vow to change — perhaps to eat healthier or reform our no-exercise ways. “Maybe you’ve given up mak- ing resolutions but still wish a new year would bring positive change,” says Virginia Nagy, M.D., a family medicine physician at Lake Regional Clinic – Lake Ozark. “The truth is, a lot of resolutions are just wishful thinking. People who succeed have a plan. They have a goal in mind, figure out what has stopped them in the past and make a plan to over- come their specific challenges.” Don’t give up before you even start. Get going toward positive change with these fitness and healthy eating tips. Oh, that negative inner voice. It zaps confidence and destroys motivation. Keep track of your miles, time, reps or steps. Give yourself credit for a job well done! The truth: Consistent exercise actually boosts your energy. But don’t wait until you’re exhausted. Sched- ule your workout for a time of day when you have some get-up-and-go. • Schedule exercise just like any other priority. • Pack your gym bag the night before. • Break exercise into 10-minute chunks. • Do double-duty: Walk in place while watching TV; ride a stationary bike while on the phone; park 10 minutes from work. Come up with an indoor routine. Doing aerobics, climbing stairs, walking in a mall or swimming indoors are just a few ideas. You want to exercise. You know it’s good for both your mind and body. And you actually feel better when you do it. So what’s getting in the way? Maybe dozens of things. Some are pretty persuasive, too. Life happens. But other times, excuses are, well, just excuses. Here are some common thoughts that derail good intentions — and tips for getting over them. “I’m too tired.” “I don’t have time.” “It’s too wet/ cold/hot.” “Who cares? Why bother?” The excuse The remedy A positive Virginia Nagy, M.D. start Don’t let excuses knock you off the exercise track