The latest article on the Symmetry blog discusses the hottest topic of the season: sticking to your wellness goals and resolutions in the New Year. 

It’s an exciting time of year, and it can also be tough. Starting in 2023, many of us will be motivated to better ourselves, even if we are still recharging our batteries from the busyness of the holiday season.

The pressure to commit to-self care and wellness will come from many sources. Friends and family. Advertisements from the wellness industry. Our smart devices, apps, and trackers will roll out challenges and deals for more services.

But we often forget where this motivation ought to come from – ourselves. 

First off, think deeply about your “why.” Sure, most folks want to be pain-free and have more energy throughout the day. But what are you going to do with your newfound wellness? Do you want to play with your kids, or climb the stairs without pain? 

Finding your “why” helps you to get excited, and envision a different life for yourself.  

Then, it’s time to think about consistency. You can retrain your body out of many ailments, like low energy, stress, or lack of mobility using habit. 6 weeks of therapy and self-care cause the nervous system and tissue to respond, which can begin to undo decades of sitting at a desk.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is one of the best books for understanding why habits are at the core of everything we do. He talks about the importance of willpower, and how it comes in a limited supply, diminished throughout the day. It is essential to plan ahead for moments of adversity when your willpower may be weakened. You can recruit a wellness “buddy” to keep you accountable, or keep a workout bag packed and ready to go, so you don’t see getting ready as an additional task. 

One of the hardest things for our clients to do is prioritize themselves. By following these steps, you can put yourself first, and eventually give yourself more energy to invest in your family, friendships, career, and much more.