Realistic Resolutions

It’s New Year’s Eve and the annual (often guilt-inflicting) tradition begins:  making a New Year’s resolution.  If you are caring for an ill or elderly loved one and you decide to make a resolution, it’s especially important that you remember to:  

·         Be realistic.  Break big goals into small, manageable parts.  If you decide to take better care of yourself in 2011, start with a 10-minute walk each day; if you can’t leave your home, try morning and evening stretching exercises.  Or consider swapping your daily dose of cookies for a piece of fresh fruit.

·         Start where you are, with what you have.  You are far more likely to stay committed to a resolution if the activity is accessible and convenient.  Joining a health club is helpful only if you can afford to make the time on a regular basis.

·         Try new and pleasurable things.  Resolutions don’t need to be about self-denial.  Make a resolution to learn something new each month.  Spend the winter months reading about gardening.  Try your hand at writing poetry, painting, or knitting. Resolve to experiment with new recipes each month.

·         Focus on your progress.  Give yourself credit for what you accomplish – don’t focus on what you fail to do.  Don’t punish yourself if you cannot complete your goal for that day. Each day is a fresh start.

·         Team up with a friend or even your ill or elderly loved one.  This gives you a source of support, strengthens your commitment, and allows you and them to enjoy camaraderie.  Why not consider starting a book club with your ill or elderly family member, or keep a journal together?