Tips to make healthy lifestyle changes

As January comes to a close, will your New Year's resolution end with it? If you find yourself struggling to keep your resolution, you're not alone, says William Manard, M.D., Saint Louis University assistant professor of family and community medicine.

According to Manard, the most common New Year's resolutions are health focused, such as losing weight, exercising, quitting smoking and reducing stress. While he applauds anyone who wants to make a positive lifestyle change, he warns that these resolutions should not be made without a great deal of thought and preparation.

"Any time of year is a good time to make healthy lifestyle changes; the beginning of a new year simply offers an easy-to-identify, traditional time to change," Manard said. "What's most important is that the individual has the necessary time and energy to devote to making these changes."

Gillian Stephens, M.D., SLU assistant professor of family and community medicine, agrees. She says that too often people set themselves up for failure by focusing on where they want to go without considering how they will get there.

Whether you've already made a New Year's resolution, or want to make a healthy lifestyle change, Manard and Stephens suggests five ways you can do to break the cycle of broken resolutions and improve your health once and for all.

1. Set attainable goals. Unreasonable goals set people up for failure. If you've been 50 pounds overweight since college, it's unreasonable to think you're going to drop that weight overnight, Manard says. Instead, set reasonable, short-term goals and objectives. For example, if your resolution is to reduce stress, focus on small positive changes, like doing yoga three times per week, that will get you closer to achieving your goals. Or, if you are trying to lose weight, set smaller monthly goals.

2. Have a support system. Surrounding yourself with people who will help you achieve your goals is the most important thing you can do to increase your chance of success, Manard says. Your family physician can help you set reasonable goals, ensure that any medical concerns are addressed prior to starting a new program and address any issues that come up while working on your resolution.

3. Hold yourself accountable. According to Stephens, failed New Year's resolutions are so common because they are just as easy to dismiss as they are to make. By including your family physician in your plans, though, you will increase the likelihood of keeping your resolution.

"Making an appointment with your doctor and verbalizing your goals will help hold you accountable," Stephens said. "Look at your family physician as your coach - we're on the same team and want the same results, and can provide you with the necessary tools and encouragement to achieve success."

4. Be positive. Healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising or quitting smoking, can have a big impact on your overall health. Rather than focusing on what you're giving up, concentrate on the rewards of your hard work - like a new spring wardrobe in a smaller size - and celebrate your successes, Stephens recommends.

5. Persevere. Many times New Year's resolutions are derailed by one slip up, which doesn't have to be the case. Manard says it's important to stay focused on the big picture. If your resolution is to quit smoking and you have a cigarette, start fresh the next day. You also can use your slip up as a learning tool. Why did it happen and what can you do to prevent it from happening again? By asking yourself these important questions and seeking addition support, you can get back on track to a healthier lifestyle.