Lose Weight? Check. Start Exercising? Check. Stop smoking? Check.

It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list. In addition to the post-holiday slump, not being able to keep your resolution by February, March, or even late January may increase your anxiety. When your holiday decorations are packed up and stored away, the frustration of an unused gym membership or other reminders of failed resolutions can make the later winter months feel hopeless.

However, it is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. It’s a time for people to reflect on their past years’ behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes. Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1, can help you reach whatever it is you strive for. Remember, it is not the extent of change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it one step at a time.

By making your resolutions realistic, there is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year, incorporating healthy behavior into your everyday life. Here are some tips to help:

START SMALL
Make resolutions that you think you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week at the gym instead of seven. If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy like fruit or yogurt, instead of seeing the “gym diet” as a form of punishment.

CHANGE ONE BEHAVIOR AT A TIME
Unhealthy behavior develops over the course of time. Thus, getting back to healthy behavior also requires time. Don’t get overwhelmed thinking you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a time.

TALK ABOUT IT
Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as a workout class at your gym or a group of coworkers eating healthier. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating.

DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP
Perfection is unattainable. Remember that minor missteps when working toward your goals are completely normal and okay. Don’t give up because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped the gym for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.

ASK FOR SUPPORT
Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by your resolutions. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help. Psychologists are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies to help you adjust your goals so they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.

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