I, like so many others, have been so focused on Covid-19, that I thought a break would be helpful. If we weren’t having a pandemic I would be talking about many other health care issues so since it’s the New Year let’s discuss New Year’s Resolutions.
How many people make New Year's Resolutions? How many don’t last past the first week or maybe if we’re really committed, into February? While I certainly would encourage developing new habits, often we bite off more than we can chew….(foreshadowing here).
Would you consider making one small change at a time? Success is more likely with a small but significant change, rather than trying to overhaul an entire daily schedule or major habit. Maybe you would like to cut back on coffee, sodas, food intake, or alcohol. Going cold turkey, well, it might and has worked for some people but certainly not everyone. Perhaps cutting back ½ of a cup of coffee a day, pouring out a little bit of the beer before drinking the rest, having two bites of the brownie instead of the whole thing? Once you have been successful for a week or two, well, congratulate yourself! Keep up the good work and add a little bit more to it. Keep track of your successes and let others know to congratulate you!
Perhaps thinking of why you want to make the change might be helpful. The picture of a swim suit you would like to wear might at some point make you feel discouraged if you don’t see progress fast enough. Perhaps a picture of a beach instead? Placed where you can see it when you might be tempted the most.
Maybe you want to be in better health for a loved one. Put the grandkids picture on the refrigerator or on the table that usually holds the cigarettes. Call that person, or someone else you have asked to lend you support.
Like most advice, I need to follow some of this myself! Let’s try together, to make 2021 a healthier year.
Dr. Powell
OK, here’s some Covid info, the website for FAQs about Oregon and the Covid-19 vaccine:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2390v.pdf
