As the holiday season comes to an end and a new year begins many people make resolutions. Considering that only 12% of people who make resolutions wind up keeping them, it is important to make realistic resolutions that stick. For many the new year represents a new chapter in their life, a time to commit to quit smoking, exercise regularly, save more, and lose weight. While there are many more resolutions that people make, these are the most common.
Be specific and limit your resolutions
Many people make a long list of resolutions. While it is great to commit to change, too many resolutions can be unrealistic and stressful. A long list of New Year’s resolutions can put a lot of pressure on almost anyone. Instead of spreading yourself too thin, commit to one goal at a time. When deciding on a resolution, make it specific and attainable. A common resolution is to lose weight. Make it specific by committing to reducing your weight so that you fit into a specific size article of clothing.
Make realistic resolutions that stick
Many people who include exercise in their New Year’s resolutions set unrealistic expectations. As opposed to exercising six times a week, commit instead to exercising at least three times a week. Some weeks you may be able to exercise every day, but it is unlikely you’d be able to sustain that. This prevents you from getting discouraged and giving up entirely. It is better to be gentle on yourself with the understanding that life sometimes gets in the way.
Ditch the scale
Once you have set a specific weight loss goal, like to lose 30 pounds, it is essential that you stay motivated. Many people weigh themselves twice a day. Since how much we weigh fluctuates during the course of the day, it is better to weigh yourself once a week or even once a month if you can wait that long. If you eat and then weigh yourself, it may seem as though you have gained 2 pounds when in reality you have not. Since it is easy to get discouraged, it is better to weigh yourself less often and stay motivated.
Stop smoking
Most people who quit smoking do so either cold Turkey or using a patch. Quitting cold Turkey is difficult and many people succumb to the cravings for nicotine. Those who use the patch are usually able to limit, or stop smoking, as long as they are wearing the patch. However, once they stop using the patch the cravings for nicotine return. Hypnosis can program the inner mind to be free of any desire to smoke. It bypasses the conscious mind and does not require willpower to eliminate the cravings. This is because the subconscious mind is programmed to remove any desire for cigarettes.
Hypnotherapy can also be used to program the unconscious mind to automatically gravitate towards healthy foods and enjoy exercise. This is the part of the mind that is responsible for habits, desires, and cravings. In hypnotic trance, cravings can be eliminated, and healthy habits can be installed. With the help of hypnotherapy, you can make realistic resolutions stick.