NCTV Episode 98
Continuing with the series of bitesize health tip videos which can be found here on my YouTube Channel, this episode includes:-
- The benefits of NY Resolutions
- The disadvantages of NY Resolutions
- S.M.A.R.T Goals
- Suggestions for potential health goals
- Steps you can take to achieve these
Transcript
If you’d prefer to read the content within, rather than watch the video, then feel free to read the transcript, as follows:-
Hello and welcome to NCTV Episode 98.
The year 2024 is now upon us and this week’s topic is all about something that’s fresh on a lot of people’s minds at this time of year, which is New Year’s Resolutions – and more specifically, health goals in our case.
So whilst setting goals is great, there are pros and cons to New Years Resolutions and some potential alternatives for those who still want to strive towards something without calling it a resolution as such.
Starting with the pros, there is no denying the positive energy that comes with setting resolutions. They provide a sense of purpose and motivation, giving us the opportunity to embrace positive change in our lives. Whether it’s improving our fitness, adopting a healthier diet, or managing stress, resolutions can be a powerful tool for self-improvement.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the downsides too. Often, resolutions can become overwhelming, leading to stress and guilt if we don’t meet our expectations. Unrealistic goals may set us up for disappointment, and the ‘all or nothing’ mindset can be counterproductive to our overall well-being.
With this in mind, instead of big and vague resolutions, it can be better in certain situations to focus on alternatives that may promote a more sustainable and healthy change. Consider setting SMART goals which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound goals. This can help to make your goals more effective by creating a clearer roadmap for success helping you to stay motivated and track your success, helping you to take perhaps smaller steps towards a larger vision. This approach acknowledges that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
If you are looking to enhance your health and wellbeing this year, here are a few suggestions on what you could focus on but remember they’re just ideas so be sure find what resonates with you and aligns specifically with your own personal journey. All of these have been covered in previous episodes so in case you missed them and would like to know a little more on the topic, I’ll signpost which episodes they can be found in.
Firstly, a great one to start with could simply be Mindful Movement. If you’re not familiar with this is, Mindfulness was covered in Episode 70 but to summarise, Mindful Movement is basically a way of fostering a deep connection between your mind and body. The way you do that is by paying attention to your body and the physical sensations it experiences as you engage in various activities. It’s ultimately about being in the present moment, allowing you to fully experience and appreciate the movements that you’re making. This can easily be incorporated into your routine, whether it’s through a daily walk, yoga, tai chi or gentle stretches. Movement not only supports physical health but also contributes to mental and emotional well-being. As a result, it’s often used as a tool for stress reduction, helping you to experience a sense of calm and relaxation.
Another focus could be on nourishing your body with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, more on this in Episodes 7 about Nutrition and 83 which covered the Mediterranean Diet. Essentially, it’s all about considering how you can incorporate more whole foods, vegetables, and hydration into your daily meals.
Stress Management is always a good area for people to focus on too. This was covered in Episode 33 which also highlighted prioritising stress management techniques such as deep breathing (more on this in Episode 1 and via the Wim Hof Method which was discussed in Episode 49). Other stress management techniques can be employed such as meditation (as covered in the aforementioned Mindfulness Episode, Episode 70), or even a by doing a relaxing hobby, and some ideas for this can be found in Episode 8 on the topic of Creativity. Managing stress is of course crucial for your overall health be it mental or physical.
A final example of a great health goal to focus on could be ensure that you’re getting enough quality sleep (as explained in Episodes 2 and 3). Ways of doing this may be to create a bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and create a comfortable sleep environment to support restful sleep.
A final word as we embark on this new year is to approach our health and wellbeing with kindness and patience. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
That’s it for this week’s bitesize bit to help your health flourish and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy, and fulfilling new year.
See you again next time, take care!