For patients coming in to my office issues include pain or dysfunction of some kind. If you show up regularly for care I can improve the function of the nervous system and joints. I can help restore muscle balance and posture. However, in order to make lasting changes and not just survive, but thrive, changes to the lifestyle are necessary.
In case you are not aware, proper nutrition and exercise will improve or outright cure ALL of the most prevalent conditions we face here in America. As a country we know this, deep down. But we like what we are eating, what we are doing or not doing with our free time. Can't we just fix the problem without changing any of those things?
NO. This takes us back to the difference between covering up symptoms versus making real change. So how can we make these vital changes to our lifestyle? Let's make some resolutions with resolve.
1. Make your resolution manageable. Don't think you can go from 0 to 100 and not falter. Maybe elimination is too rigid, try reduction. 1 day at the gym per week is better than 0. 2. Remember your motivation. You are doing this to improve yourself for you and your family. Remember this at the times that you are challenged. 3. Ask for help. I'm talking with patients every day about simple things they can do to help themselves. Don't be afraid to ask others to help you on your journey. 4. Keep it interesting. Don't allow your resolution to become mundane or a chore. Mix things up and allow for change as long as the core of the resolution isn't changed. 5. Accountability. If you tell someone or everyone what you are doing you are much more likely to follow through. Simple sociology, we are great at lying to ourselves. 6. Be forgiving. We are all human, and thus imperfect. These poor habits are the result of years and maybe even decades of previous conditioning. Allow yourself to stumble, but do not give up! |