We are all familiar with the well-worn pattern of making New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them a few weeks out of the gate. What if we decided to re-set the clock on our resolutions once a month and in this incremental way attempted to change our health for the better? The burden of a daily grind would be eliminated and the prospect of doing something once a month could be seen as an activity of renewal. So why not build a once-a-month schedule (a 12-step plan, if you will) that “occupies health” for 2012? I am sharing a suggested list below and urging you to create your own version.
January – Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Go to Flu.gov to find out where to get a flu shot.
February – Track your exercise activity this month and share it on your favorite social media platform with a goal to increase your activity weekly.
March – Eating healthier is easier to fun when it is combined with fun activities. Consider exploring the Slow Food movement by sharing a few meals this month with local chapter members. Find a local group here at SlowFoodUSA.
April – Are there aspects to your health that could be more efficiently provided digitally (e.g. lab results via email, online visit scheduling, etc.). Write down your wish list and provide to your doctor at your next visit (or mail it to him/her).
May – Try combining physical activity with the great outdoors. Plan an active vacation, perhaps as a volunteer for the Sierra Club to maintain habitats and recreational outdoor areas.
June – Walk or bike to the store once or twice this month to buy groceries or perform errands.
July – Gather a few co-workers and form an exercise club for the month, logging in your progress at The President’s Challenge.
August – Integrating organic food can be hard for many to find, but there are several companies that deliver at very affordable rates, some as low as $25 per box of veggies/fruits. Here are few: Farm Fresh to You for California; OrganicsNY for New York/New Jersey; Door-to-Door Organics for Colorado; Greenling for Austin and San Antonio, Texas; Off the Vine for Florida.
September – Walk for 20 minutes after your lunch at least once a week this month. Bring a co-worker with you.
October – It doesn’t always have to be about you. Offer a friend a ride to the doctor or agree to exercise together once or twice this month.
November – Make sure you get your yearly (or multi-year) must-have exams (osteoporosis, pap smear, etc.). Want guidelines? Go to the American College of Physicians Guidelines and for Pap smear guidelines, see Mayo Clinic’s advice.
December – Don’t forget about supporting your mental health. Check out Mental Health America’s 10 Tools to Live Life Well. They offer suggestions to help you handle stress more effectively.
[...] Speaking of New Year’s Resolutions, here’s another one to add to our lists: give (of your time and of your money) wisely. With the holiday season just behind us, many have volunteered time and/or donated money, and perhaps even made resolutions to do a better job of it in 2012. [...]