Prepare for the unexpected.

McLennan

Wellness

“Be well in 2015.”

The best of intentions can often be undermined by a box of donuts in the break room, an unplanned late night out, hungry kids in the car or any other change in our intentional daily routine (which may be every day for some!). So how can we prepare for the unexpected so that we are able to make better choices to reach our health and wellness goals?

1.   Be realistic. Set a goal that is within reach. Focus on one behavior change at a time. If you are eating not-so-healthy meals in front of the tv (or in the car) and not exercising like you should- DO NOT commit to change all of these behaviors in the next 6 weeks. PICK ONE.

2.    Make a plan. Eliminate as many obstacles as you can by creating a detailed plan to reach your goal. Ideally your plan should be for the next 3-7 days, as you approach the end of your planned period, sit down and create the next plan. If you’re working on better food choices; include a meal plan with snacks, a trip to the grocery store with a detailed list, cooking times, storage for on-the-go lunches and snacks, etc. (see meal planner below).

3.    Include flexibility. Life WILL happen and we need to know how to respond without defeating our efforts. To stick to your exercise goal, even when your planned workout isn’t possible for the day, keep your gym bag with you (a change of clothes and tennis shoes) and a mat, jump rope, resistance band, or even dumbbells if you have them. When you find 30- minutes to get up and move- DO IT! This may be waiting in line to pick up your kids, between your afternoon meetings, or whenever you make the time for it.

4.    Move forward. Wellness is like a bank account- we contribute today for a better tomorrow. Sometimes, we take more out of that account than expected. If we continue with this pattern, we find ourselves in a deficit, which makes life more difficult in all areas. However, if we get back on track after that one splurge, we are likely to build the account back to where it was and find ourselves better prepared when we dip into that reserve again. Instead of focusing on the damage you’ve done or what you shouldn’t do in the future, concentrate on the healthy behaviors that will build up your wellness account.

This Week in Wellness

“Heart Health” Lunch N’ Learn- Friday, Jan. 30^th from 12:05-12:50pm in the Math/Wellness & Fitness building room 123. This lecture will address various aspects of heart health and how you can take action to lower your risk for heart disease.

Healthy Heart Habits- Feb. 1-28

February is American Heart Month, a great time to learn how to reduce your risks for heart disease and stroke. This is a points-based wellness challenge where you track health habits to improve your heart health. Watch for more details to come!