Happy New Year!

Another year has come and gone, and I've spent January reflecting on how 2017 went. I can't speak for everyone else, but 2017 was pretty eventful! There were several big changes that happened including moving out of my mum's house and taking big strides with my anxiety. Towards the end of the year however, I felt myself stagnating a bit and feeling anxious about it. January's New Years resolutions only added to my anxiety.

Now that February is on the horizon, I have a new perspective. I spent the majority of January brainstorming what I wanted 2018 to look like, and now it's time for me to take the first step, because lasting change happens one step at a time.

Feeling like you've tried this before without success? Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Be Patient. Change doesn't happen overnight, and there's no reason you need to reach every goal immediately. You don't have to be able to run a marathon by the end of the month, just take one step at a time and work systematically towards your goal.

2. Use The Buddy System. It's a lot harder to avoid getting stuff done if there is someone you are accountable to. Whether its a friend, your partner, or even your mom, ask someone if your life to be your "buddy" that you can share your progress with, and someone who can remind you to get back on track when you fall behind.

3. Schedule It. We all live busy lives in one way or another, and I'm sure we're all guilty of not making time for things that should be a priority. For some, it's preparing healthy meals; for others, it's finding time to meet with a close friend; for me, it's fitness. Something that I find works well is literally scheduling it in as a commitment that I have to keep. Whether you write it on your calendar or set-up alarms in your phone to remind you, there are a million ways to be accountable to your goals by scheduling them in.

4. Prioritize. As mentioned briefly in point #2, it's easy to disregard things that should be a higher priority. Whether it's allocating time or funds, everyone has put something close to the top of the list that may not have belonged there. For a period of time, I wasn't booking in for massage as frequently as I normally did, and I really started to feel it (all of those working the desk life know what I'm talking about!). So at the end of last year, I started booking a few appointments ahead and ensuring that I put aside funds for it. Side benefit? I'm eating out and drinking less too. Whether its your monthly massage, weekly coffee date with a friend, or daily meal prep, make sure you're taking time for that which makes you feel good!

From everyone at backstrong Health Group, we hope you have a great year ahead and make all of the changes you aspire to make!