How To Make New Year's Resolutions Stick - Keep Them Simple

Now that 2012 is the New Year, many of you probably have a list of New Year's Resolutions in mind or written down. The psychology of resolutions are interesting, because it seems ritualistic to formulate a plan at the beginning of every year, only to find a month or two down the road that they have only been partially implemented or that they have been fully implemented, but by March or April, abandoned.

The best approach to resolutions is just to keep them simple, then abide by them all year-round, because your body is a long-term investment and by approaching it that way, you will get the best results. The only way to really modify behavior and habits is to one-by-one, replace old, unhealthy habits with new, healthier habits. It is simple.

As we know, the body comes as a whole package, so why not treat it holistically.

Here are the best four things we can do to make a difference, every day. Mind you, I am in the dental industry, so I am going to mention oral health and hygiene, but it really does matter. So here it goes:

1. Eat Healthy: Cut down on sugars and starches, high-fructose corn syrup, soft drinks and foods that are generally unhealthy and YOU WILL SEE A BIG DIFFERENCE. This alone can help obesity, weight issues, diabetes and your teeth.
   
2. Hydrate: Drink a lot of water, daily, and your body will be happier. Your joints, tissues and organs will perform much better and this also helps dry mouth conditions that cause oral health issues.
   
3. Activity: Do what you enjoy, walk, hike, jog, bike, play tennis, go to the gym, lift weights, stretch - whatever you can do, but be active at least three times a week for 20 minutes. A lot of times it helps to do this with a partner or friend. The added support makes it easier and more social.
4. Mind Your Mouth: Your mouth is the gateway to your body, so think about what you put in it and how you treat it. Brush, floss, rinse and repeat. And of course, visit your dentist and hygienist twice a year.

There, that wasn't so hard was it? All of these items are vitally important to your health. If you just do these four things on a routine basis, you may not need resolutions at all.

On that note, Happy New Year from American Dental Plan. We wish you success with your resolutions and your life, all-year-round. Enjoy.