A New Yearâs Resolution to Be Well
A lot of us put too much pressure on ourselves this time of year. Weâre stepping on the scale; weâre looking at what we have, and more attentively maybe, at all the things we donât have. Itâs easy to be hard on ourselves. Weâre thinking of all the ways we could be better, facing up to our insecurities, and weâre dreaming of dramatic transformations. Except we donât grow in dramatic transformations. We grow little by little, and thatâs ok too. So letâs set realistic expectations for ourselves this year and resolve to #BeWell
Thereâs nothing wrong with wanting to better yourselfâchange can be healthy, and we could all use a littleâbut this New Yearâs, we encourage you to resolve to feel better, not be better. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look to the coming year:
1. Measure your resolution by effort
This year, instead of resolving to lose a few pounds, try resolving to exercise three times a week, or eat healthier. Instead of setting a precise goal for your GPA, or an upcoming test, be proud of how many hours you spend studying each week, and how often you come to class early for extra help.
2. Think in terms of daily efforts
Finding pride and satisfaction in our daily efforts is how we set ourselves up for long term success. Let the goal be more meaningful than just a number on the scale, or a score on the midterm; the goal is to strike a balanced lifestyleâone thatâs sustainable and fulfilling.
3. Go your own way
We all have our own ways of staying happy and healthy. Just because your friend is a diehard jogger doesnât mean you need to love jogging too. There is no one right way to go about prioritizing your health.
If youâre not a jogger, maybe youâre a yogi. If youâre not a yogi maybe youâre a basket baller. If not a baller maybe a hiker, or a biker, or a Taekwondo-er! Maybe youâre a little bit of everything. Whatever the case, your exercise routine, your hobbies, your dietâit should be an expression of who you are. Do it your way.
We want to know how you stay well. How do you blow off steam? Where do you find peace of mind? Some of us hit punching bags and some of us strum guitars. Tell us what works for you!
Join the conversation on social by using the hashtag #BeWell or #BeHeard. Tell us how you stay happy, because we really want to know! How do you cheer yourself up? How do you keep healthy? Whatâs your New Yearâs resolution?
You donât need to be any better than you already are; we just want you to #BeWell.