It can be far too easy to let your health slip over the holidays. Schedules get packed, social engagements make eating healthy challenging, and stress can be at an all-time high. Not only are businesses closing out the year, but many adults find themselves under pressure to make every holiday obligation, from make sure cards get in the mail to attending school functions. For many of us, it can just be too much.

Set yourself up for success.

So, how can you start the New Year off in the healthiest way possible? First, consider what health means to you. The World Health Organization has stated that health translates to a state of social, mental and physical well-being. It takes a balance of all three elements to form a healthy life. You may be physically healthy and hitting the gym every day – but if you never have a social interaction and find yourself lonely, then you may be lacking in mental well-being. On the other hand, you may have a busy social calendar and have many meaningful relationships, yet you may be overweight and out of shape. Truly, so much of health is about balance!

Tips for maintaining your health and fitness

Changes in routine and schedules can alter our ability to attain our health and fitness goals. We often say that the biggest thing that deters people from their goals are other people. After all, if we operate in a box, we’re in total control and we’re sheltered from outside influencers.

As we enter the New Year and you seek to get your health back on track or hit new goals, consider the following:

  • Make a routine that you can stick with. How are you going to form healthy habits and maintain a balance between healthy food choices, physical activity and social interaction?
  • When you consider your goals, go back to what health means to you. Do you want to take more time for yourself in the New Year, relieve stress, or do you want to fit into a smaller size jeans?
  • Err on the side of healthy food choices. We fall back on the 80/20 rule. If you can make healthy eating choices most of the time – or 80% — and take 20% of your time to feed your social needs, then you’re setting yourself up for good habits and success. That means that most of the time you’re making nutritious food decisions, but that you may occasionally have that muffin you love, or indulge in dessert, and that’s okay.
  • Don’t put too much faith in the gym. Regular physical activity is critical to your health. Find ways to incorporate activity in a way that is enjoyable for you. Also remember that making consistent, healthy food decisions is just as important.

Stay realistic – and remember, everything in moderation

Hitting your goals is not only about where you are and where you want to be – it’s also about being realistic. It may help you to keep a log to track your workouts, find an accountability partner, or keep a consistent schedule. Find what is going to work for your lifestyle, your personal goals and your motivational needs – and make this your best year yet.