TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2004 (HealthDayNews) --It's a reliable old chestnut, the fact that New Year's resolutions are easier to make than to keep.
But that's just because you aren't using a set of guidelines developed by behavior change experts from the Mayo Clinic.
The January issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource outlines some strategies, including:
- Keeping records of situations, moods or triggers that lead to unhealthy behaviors. For example, do you overeat when you are bored, frustrated or stressed?
- Studying the records to find ways to foil those behaviors. An example would be exercising instead of drinking wine if you drink to reduce stress.
- Setting small-step goals that are specific, measurable, attainable and flexible.
- Rewarding yourself for reaching a health goal. Rewards could include a trip to the movies or a desired purchase.
- Reviewing your progress every few months and repeating the above steps to set new goals for yourself.
More information
Here's where you can learn more about behavior change.
