10 Tips to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Here are 10 tips to help you stay the course and rise to the resolutions.

1. Keep it attainable . Set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic (SMART) goals. This will make the process manageable. Trying to lose 100 pounds is steep goal – but trying to lose 5 pounds per month, is a realistic goal that you can measure your progress by. Celebrating the smaller victories will only fuel your motivation to continue.
2. Skip the fancy fitness trackers . A large study just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that people tend to actually gain more weight while using these trackers, because they overeat when they feel they are burning more calories.
3. Exercise moderately , but stay away from the super intense workout routines. Advertising for some of these intense programs focuses on the incredible results you could enjoy. However, the reality is that most people are more likely to get injured in one of these programs than reap the rewards. Start an exercise program gradually and give your body time to adapt. When you are ready for the high intense activities, try working under the supervision of a trained professional.
4. Get more sleep . Sleep helps you to be happier; to think better; to heal faster; and to get more out of your workouts. Maybe you’re already getting the great-8 – and you wake up feeling energized for the day without the aid caffeine – but if that doesn’t sound like you, take note and plan for more sleep.
5. Make informed buying decisions .    Getting to the gym can be a hassle, and you’re convinced that if only you had the exercise equipment at home, you’d be on it every day. But, did you know that there are lots of resources on body weight exercises that you can do without spending any money? If you are in the market to outfit your home gym, be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable brand dealer.
6. Pass up the sports drinks and diet sodas . Sugar is not your friend, and we’ve all heard about losing electrolytes while working out – but unless you’re in the middle of an endurance competition or training session, your average run or exercise class isn’t going to deplete you. You’re just sabotaging your hard work with unnecessary sugar and calories.
7. Practice willpower . Willpower is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. The toughest choices are easiest to make earlier in the day when you’re fresh and your resolve is strong. Set yourself up for success. Make the tough choices early in the morning and take it easy on yourself at the end of the day.
8. Walk more . Walking is great- it helps lubricate your joints; relieves pressure on the spine from sitting; burns calories; and helps clear the mind. So take that empty parking spot at the end of the row and take a few laps around the office – it will help keep you moving towards those goals, plus your joints will thank you.
9. Receive regular adjustments . Once you’re injured, the risk of re-injury increases. Seeing your  chiropractor for proper adjustments regularly can result in a lower incidence of re-injury. Keep your body tuned in good alignment, and don’t forget about the physical therapy.
10. Smile . Smiling can lower your heart rate, and reduce blood pressure and stress. It causes endorphins to be released and elevates your mood. Smiling also lowers pain and can improve relationships with people around you. Plus, it’s a lot easier to smile than frown, and your face will thank you for it!