Happy New Year from all of us at Easewell Chiropractic! As we embrace the start of another year, many of us are thinking about setting resolutions to improve our health and wellness. In last week’s blog post, we discussed how to set effective wellness goals. Today, let’s delve into the concept of wellness-based New Year’s resolutions and understand how they differ from, yet complement, wellness goals.

I. Understanding Wellness Resolutions:

• Definition of a Wellness Resolution: A wellness resolution is a commitment to adopting healthier behaviors or making positive changes in one’s lifestyle, usually set at the start of the New Year.

• The Tradition of New Year's Resolutions: These resolutions are a time-honored tradition, symbolizing a fresh start and new beginnings at the start of each calendar year.

II. Wellness Goals vs. Wellness Resolutions:

• Defining Wellness Goals: As we explored earlier, wellness goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that move you towards better health.

• Key Differences: Unlike goals, resolutions tend to be broader and more general, setting an overarching direction rather than specific targets. For example, a resolution might be to “lead a healthier lifestyle” while a goal would specify “exercising for 30 minutes, 3 times a week.”

• Complementary Nature: While different, resolutions and goals work hand in hand. Resolutions set your wellness vision, and goals are the steps you take to achieve it.

III. Crafting Effective Wellness Resolutions:

• Broad Wellness Intentions: Start by setting broad intentions like improving mental health, increasing physical activity, or eating healthier.

• Aligning Resolutions with Lifestyle: Ensure your resolutions fit with your lifestyle. If you have a busy schedule, a resolution to cook healthy meals might be more practical than one to dine out less.

IV. Turning Resolutions into Actionable Goals:

• Breaking Down Resolutions into Goals: Translate your resolutions into specific goals. If your resolution is to reduce stress, a goal could be to attend weekly yoga classes or chiropractic sessions.

• Using the SMART Framework: Apply the SMART criteria to these goals to make them more tangible and achievable. You can read more on how to use the SMART Framework here.

• Example: Resolution – “Improve spinal health.” Goal – “Schedule monthly chiropractic adjustments and perform daily back-strengthening exercises.”

V. Staying Committed to Your Wellness Resolutions:

• Tracking Progress: Keep a journal or use apps to track your progress towards your goals.

• Adjusting Plans as Needed: Be flexible and willing to modify your goals as your circumstances change.

• Seeking Support: Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Family, friends, and professionals like your chiropractor can offer valuable support.

VI. Conclusion:

As we step into the New Year, let’s embrace both wellness resolutions and goals. While resolutions give us direction, goals are the steps that lead us to our destination. Together, they form a powerful framework for achieving our wellness aspirations.

What are your wellness resolutions for this year, and what goals have you set to achieve them? Share your thoughts with us, and remember, we at Easewell Chiropractic are here to support you every step of the way. Whether it's guidance on setting goals or chiropractic care to enhance your wellness journey, we're just an appointment away. Click here to schedule an appointment using our convenient online scheduler. Here's to a healthier, happier you in the New Year!