2020's not been the year we expected or intended. Stress, anxiety, turbulence and uncertainty have been the only constants; it's been a challenging time to make a lifestyle change. Move aside 2020, a fresh start is on the horizon in 2021.
What's your 2021 healthy living goal?
As 2020 draws to a close, we're inviting you to pause and consider your healthy living goal for 2021. Write a note-to-self. Make a commitment to prioritise your health and wellbeing in the year to come. Consider it a gift-to-self! Make a promise to your 2021-self.
How it works:
Pause. Ask yourself, 'what healthy habit or goal will I gift to myself in 2021?' Write down your note in the space below and make your pledge. As the new year dawns, we'll remind you of your goal and guide you to achieve it with tips and support. Use the prompts below for ideas.
Your note-to-self
Not sure where to start? Don’t be overwhelmed. Start small. Day by day, bit by bit, each new small step to LiveWell creates new resolve and motivation to move forwards. Here are some ideas to get you thinking.
Commit to:
- a weight loss goal, use an app to count your calories track your progress
- only drink alcohol on Friday and Saturday evenings
- take 20 or 30 minutes of exercise every day
- create a plan to quit smoking with our support
- write your own
Know vs. do
What’s your knowing-doing gap? Many of us know we want to make a change… bridging the gap is the tricky bit. You've got to want to do it… you've got to commit to achieving your goal. How will you mind the gap?
Claire knew she didn't like smoking. She knew she wanted to lose weight. She used lockdown as a focused season to shift her know into a do. First, she lost weight. Then, she felt confident to start daily walks. Then, she felt ready to quit smoking. Fast forward, she's lost five stone, started running and has quit smoking.
We often start with good intentions, committing to cut the snacks, or complete a daily walk. But it's easy to let things slide, particularly when our normal gets turned inside out and upside down. In 2021, we're here to boost your determination to keep on keeping on.
'Don't focus on what you can't do, focus on what you can do' is the phrase we've often shared during the coronavirus pandemic. A season of change and upheaval may seem like a strange time to set a goal... but it's the perfect moment! By keeping focused on our end goal, we look ahead to a goal within our reach. We can do it. Choose small steps over no steps.
What one small, daily act could you take to LiveWell? Take small steps. Just take the right next step, then the next, and repeat.
Prepare yourself
Well done for writing your note-to-self. Your next step is to prepare. Set yourself up for success. Gather your support team, register and get support and resources from LiveWell. Now we know your destination, together, we can position the stepping stones you need to get there:
- Register with LiveWell
- Download an app
- Get resources from LiveWell, such as weight loss vouchers or stop smoke resources
- Book your LiveWell coaching to start in 2021
- Share your goal in Our LiveWell Facebook Group
Save the date
Now breathe… relax… be kind on yourself. Embrace and enjoy the winter, festive season. Write down your note to self in your 2021 diary. Save the date. Take your next step to a happier, healthier you.
If you are new to LiveWell Dorset, welcome! Our free advice and coaching is provided by your council and available to any adult in Dorset. Register or call us on freephone 0800 840 1628