New year, same resolutions?
Or new year, new resolutions, but same hopelessness in actually achieving change?
Change can be hard, especially when it comes to habits, behaviors, and thoughts that are engrained in our lives. And although a new calendar year presents opportunity for a fresh start, good intentions can often lead to frustration and disappointment from not living up to set goals.
So are resolutions really worth it?
That depends.
Unrealistic expectations (such as anticipating perfection), lack of thoughtful planning, and deficient follow up/monitoring can all get in the way of beneficial change as well as details like what resources are available and/or affordable, the amount of time that can be dedicated to such change, and what support one has to lean on during challenging times.
While some can jump right in and make big change happen on their own, others may need to gently introduce new ways of living in small steps, and still some may be a mix in-between. None of them is right nor wrong; deciding what’s best for you is what’s most important.
How does one take a holistic approach to change for well-being?
A holistic perspective on change can mean being mindful of how all aspects of life are interconnected in which care for one can impact the others.
Specifically, areas such as:
- physical health
- mental/emotional health
- social health
- spiritual health
are intertwined with each other, making up one’s whole health and well-being. Change in one area can also affect other areas and vice versa.
For example, seeking out ways to socialize with others without alcohol or unhealthy foods may reduce risk of disease such as heart disease, cancer, and depression while improving sleep and energy. It may also increase joy in social interactions and add to a sense of purpose in life.
So much can be connected!
To consider which resolutions may be best for you, think broadly across a variety of aspects in your life with questions like:
Physical Health – what improvements can I make for my physical well-being? What tools/resources/support do I need to make that happen? What goals are realistic for me?
Mental/Emotional Health – What emotions/experiences/trauma do I need to process to move forward? How will I do that? What can I do to take care of my mental health everyday
Social Health – how can I support my relationships? Are there issues that need to be worked through in any of them? How can I express my gratitude?
Spiritual Health – how can I feel a sense of purpose in life? Do I feel spiritually satisfied or is it time to contemplate meaning and instill values accordingly?
All of these can interact with other areas in life so taking a holistic approach to change for well-being can put perspective on what may have been tunnel-visioned in the past.
What will you choose to change for life as a whole?
Do you think naturopathic healthcare, acupuncture, holistic counseling, and/or massage could help support your resolutions? If so, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to discuss further.
New year’s resolutions don’t have to be aggravating. With the right mindset and approach, they can be life changing.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, acupuncture, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
REFERENCES:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324079#1-alcohol-free-month-boosts-long-term-health
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