TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Near the top of every adult's list of New Year's resolutions is a vow to eat healthier, lose weight, go to the gym more or reduce overall stress. But by February, some have kicked the efforts made in January to the curb.
One clinical social worker sees it all the time.
"When the New Year's resolution is made, it may stay with them a day or two, usually less than a week," says Dr. Malachy McCool. "Then they find themselves in a familiar situation and tend to revert to familiar behaviors."
So how is taking a step back avoided?
First, Dr. McCool says be realistic. Also, he says no matter what the resolution may be, it all depends on one thing.
"If they are taking care of themselves physically, it will improve emotional well-being and balance," says McCool.
Getting more physically fit also happens to be one of the top resolutions made.
One woman who has helped people lose weight for over 18 years shares the foolproof way to start.
"Get rid of salt, sugar, caffeine and fried foods," says weight counselor Gwen Warren. "Every 25 pounds overweight you are, drink an extra glass of water."
She suggests doing this every day for two weeks, consuming at least the recommended eight glasses of water a day.
Experts say when trying to reach any goal, especially New Year's resolutions, it is good to set a routine. They also suggest switching the routine up so it doesn't get boring.
So don't eat the same meals or do the same workout every day. One way of doing this is to join a fitness class.
"If you like something, you are going to stick with it, and it doesn't become a chore; it is something you really want to do," says Zumba instructor Arizbeth Pickering.
Challenges could make people happier faster.
"If your body gets used to doing one thing all the time, you won't get results whereas if you switch it up to different things, you see results faster," says Pickering.
So try these things out, and Dr. McCool says don't get down on yourself if you aren't living up to your goals.
"Part of success is failing," says McCool.
