Ask the Pharmacist

Q: I would like some tips to help me stay on track with some New Year’s Resolutions I have made. I know this topic has been done in previous years but wonder if you could revisit it and give me some advice to help me succeed?

A: 2024 is now upon us and a new year is a great time to reflect and, perhaps, initiate some new goals. Although we do not need to wait for January to roll around to make positive changes, it is a popular time to assess our personal health and financial goals and consider making some changes. Read on to view our “Prescription for Successful New Year's Resolutions.”

Statistics show that more than half of the resolutions attempted tend to falter, with most not even making it through the first month. If you're looking to make a change this year, we're here to help.

Here are some tips to make your New Year's resolutions stick:

Choose the Right Resolution: Firstly, congratulations on taking the step toward improving your well-being. The key is to choose a resolution that truly suits you, not one imposed by others. It's crucial to pick a goal that you genuinely want for yourself, making the commitment more personal and meaningful.

Be Specific, Measurable, and Achievable: When crafting your resolution, avoid vague statements. For example, instead of a generic, "I resolve to lose weight this year," set specific and measurable goals. Specify how much weight you aim to lose and by when. For instance, you could aim to walk or run five kilometres by the end of three months. This specificity gives your resolution more substance, making it easier to track your progress.

Keep it Measurable: Having a way to monitor your success is essential. Keeping a journal of your progress, whether it's tracking blocks or kilometres walked/run or your weight, helps you stay accountable. Documenting your journey allows you to witness your improvement, providing motivation to persevere.

Set Realistic and Achievable Goals: Ensure that your resolution goals are realistic and achievable. Setting overly ambitious targets, like losing a significant amount of weight in a short time, can lead to frustration and failure. If you're not accustomed to physical exercise, start with manageable goals, like walking a block or two. Gradually increase the distance and speed as you build your fitness level.

Make Sure the Resolution has Relevant and Meaningful Impact: Make sure your resolution speaks to you and is relevant to your life. Resolutions that, if achieved, will have a meaningful impact on your well-being, are more likely to succeed. For instance, losing weight or getting in better shape can enhance self-esteem and enable participation in activities previously given up.

Define a Time-Bound Goal: Establishing a clear timeline for reaching your goal is crucial. Breaking down the goal into smaller, achievable increments allows for celebration along the way, boosting your chance of success. Just be mindful of how you choose to celebrate – opting for a healthy reward rather than counter-productive choices.

Stay Resilient: Don't get disheartened if you stumble on your resolution journey. Falling off the wagon doesn't mean giving up entirely. Just dust yourself off, hop back on, and get back on track. You can do it!

On another note, there isn’t much point in having a goal if you don’t follow through with it. A great tactic to help avoid this setback is to write your goal down and share it with close family or friends. It is easier to give up on a goal if nobody knows you were even attempting it.

Remember, change is a gradual process, and success often lies in the journey rather than the destination.

For more information about this or any other health-related questions, contact the pharmacists at Gordon Pharmasave, Your Health and Wellness Destination. Also check the website at www.gordon-pharmasave.com/ and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GordonPharmasave/