Secrets to successful health and wellness New Year's resolutions

After the New Year's festivities, the champagne and bingeing on holiday treats - it's time to make those New Year's resolutions. But once the champagne flutes are back on the shelf, it's hard to make that promise stick. According to the University of Pennsylvania a week into the New Year, only 77% of resolution makers are still on track and after six months only about 40% will have succeeded. The New Year's resolution has almost become a season all on its own, a pastime to laugh at our collective aspirations.

How about proving them all wrong? Sticking to those resolutions is not just about willpower, there are a set of skills you can learn to set yourself up for success. Check out these expert tips to help you crush your 2018 goals.

Set a solid foundation

Now that you've identified what you want to change in your life and what you must do to accomplish it, it's time to pave the way to success. Make changes to your environment, so it works for you and not against you. If you're choosing to eat healthier, clean out all your kitchen cupboards and get rid of all the junk food.  

Plan ahead

Having a plan in place can almost always ensure success. Do your research, and decide what works best for you, and what will help you achieve your goals. If you decide to take up running, get everything you need so you're prepared. The right trainers, clothes, hat, glasses, even the playlist loaded with your favourite tunes to get you amped. When you've planned ahead there’ll be no excuses.

Go for it!

Set a start date and on the day, make it 100% go! Make a commitment, write it down where you can see it - for the days when you need a reminder or a positivity boost.

Accept the setbacks

We are only human and life happens, sticking to our resolutions can be very challenging. The key here is to accept our failures, but not let them keep us down. Make a note of where you've failed, and what triggered that failure; i.e. perhaps you snuck in a chocolate after a stressful day at work. Now you know what triggered the setback and you can plan an alternative for the next time you have a stressful day.

Ensure you do your Personal Health Assessment

Your wellbeing is important to us and we know that through preventative healthcare it is possible to diagnose underlying health issues earlier. You can save on medical costs by taking proactive steps in diagnosing and having the conditions treated early. All Bankmed members and beneficiaries older than 18 years have access to Wellness and Preventative Care Benefits which cover services related to wellness and preventative tests and health assessments.

As part of your Personal Health Assessment, a Healthcare Professional will measure your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose, as well as calculate your body mass index and waist circumference.

Go on get and get your assessments done!

Reward yourself

Remember to appreciate how far you have come and reward yourself for your successes no matter how small. You deserve it and you'll have earned it.

Whatever your plans are for 2018, we at Bankmed wish you the very best and we’ll be by your side cheering you on!