Resolutions you can keep in a few minutes

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Do you make New Year’s resolutions you never keep? It could be because you expect to make it last a year. However there are some resolutions you could complete within minutes of making them – and you could be healthier for it.

A recent study showed that 63 per cent of us break a resolution and of those 66 per cent said they broke it in less than a month – 80 per cent lasted less than three months.

Instead of setting a goal and then feeling bad for not sticking to it why not make a goal you can complete in a just a few minutes and start the New Year feeling like you’ve already accomplished something.

The most popular resolutions are usually ones based on health – stop smoking or drinking and joining a gym are near the top of the list. So here are a few health resolutions that you can complete straight away.

  • Register for GP online services. It means you’ll be able to book appointments with your GP, order repeat prescriptions and see your medical records online at any time. Start by telling your GP practice that you’d like to register for online services.
  • Sign up to be an organ donor. It’s a promise to save someone’s life. Do it here: www.organdonation.nhs.uk
  • Give blood. Find out more at www.blood.co.uk
  • Book an appointment for a health check, particularly if you’re over 40 it’s a good idea to have regular health checks.
  • Get involved in your local NHS by completing feedback questionnaires or surveys that will help commissioners plan services in the future. Visit www.blackpoolccg.nhs.uk or www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk to take part.
  • Call an old friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in a while. Your call could make the world of difference to them and their wellbeing, as well as reconnect you.
  • Get to know your local pharmacist. They are a great way to get advice on minor ailments when you feel unwell.
  • Get your medicine cabinet stocked up with common remedies, medicines and a first aid kit. Find out what should be in yours at www.nhs.uk or ask your local pharmacist. (You could do both of these last two suggestions at the same time!).
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Speaking on behalf of NHS Fylde and Wyre and NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Groups as well as Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Thornton GP Dr Tony Naughton said:  “If you choose a simple New Year’s resolution that you can complete practically straight away it will make you feel good and give you the boost you need to stick with a more challenging resolution.

“Something as simple as signing up to be an organ donor can make a huge difference in the long run, just remember to tell your loved ones you’ve done it. Dealing with your GP through online services makes it easier for you and can help you manage your health better. Little things can make a huge difference.”

If you’re going to try to make a bigger change like giving up smoking or losing weight there are some simple things you can do to help yourself stick to them:

  • Start small; the little things make all the difference.
    • Get off the bus a stop earlier than normal and walk a short distance, park a few minutes’ walk away from work or walk the kids to school. Even if you only do it two or three times a week it will make a difference.
    • If you want to change your diet start by having a good breakfast in the morning and cutting out sugary snacks.
  • Try a new hobby – it’s ok if you don’t stick to it but at least try. Better still if it’s something that gets you active.
  • Find a friend. Doing anything like going to the gym or for a run with someone who has similar goals to you can help motivate you to keep going. Ask a few friends if they would like to team up with you and try it out. Or you can join a group and meet new people along the way.
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Findings from YouGov and ComRes polls. More information here:  https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2015/dec/31/how-long-do-people-keep-their-new-year-resolutions

 

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