Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator with University of Illinois Extension.
Do you find yourself setting goals for the new year but somehow, they never come to fruition? You are not alone! Studies show that the success rate for New Year's resolutions is quite low, with less than 20% of people managing to stick to them over time. Common reasons for failure include unrealistic goals, lack of planning, and loss of motivation. Also, January may not be the ideal time for significant life changes, as many people are recovering from holiday stress or facing seasonal challenges like winter blues. So what can we do to help ourselves and others in our lives be more active and well balanced in the new year? One simple thing we can do is to be a supportive friend and help others stay accountable. We can also set SMART goals for ourselves. These goals are specific and measurable with realistic timeframes.
We can also consider the types of gifts we give during the holiday season. Inspiring healthy resolutions through holiday gift-giving is a thoughtful way to encourage loved ones to prioritize their well-being in the coming year. Here are some creative ideas to inspire positive change:
- Fitness and Wellness Gear: Give gifts that promote physical activity, like a yoga mat, resistance bands, or a fitness tracker. These items can inspire a regular workout routine and motivate recipients to set fitness goals.
- Healthy Cooking Tools: Kitchen gadgets, like an air fryer, blender, or spiralizer, can make cooking healthier meals easier. Pair these with a recipe book focused on nutritious, whole foods to encourage healthy eating habits. Perhaps you have an aging parent or grandparent on your list that is affected by osteoarthritis. Arthritis causes painful, swelling in the joints which means they may have a hard time gripping knives when prepping fruits or vegetables or opening jars. To make things easier in the kitchen, look into kitchen gadgets designed for people with low hand mobility. There are many options out there including automatic jar openers, cooking tools with chunky handles, and adaptive knives with rocker blades.
- Subscription Services: Consider gifting subscriptions to wellness platforms like online workout classes or meditation apps. These can help recipients stay consistent in their health journeys. Perhaps you have a new mom or dad on your list this year. They are likely pressed for time and may not be able to make healthy meals part of their routine. A healthy meal delivery service can help overcome that barrier.
- Outdoor Adventure Gear: Encourage time spent in nature with hiking gear, a camping set, or a picnic kit. These gifts promote outdoor activities, which are great for both physical and mental health.
- Workshops or Classes: Offer experiences rather than material items by gifting vouchers for fitness, cooking, or wellness workshops. These can inspire personal growth and development in a fun and interactive way. The Illinois Extension Family and Consumer Sciences team provides workshops in food, family, finance, and health across the state. Find out what is happening in your neck of the woods by following the link in the resources provided.
- Sleep Aids: A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health. Consider gifts like weighted blankets, sleep masks, or white noise machines to help improve sleep quality and create a restful environment.
- Sustainable Wellness Products: Eco-friendly water bottles, reusable grocery bags, or organic skincare products are great ways to promote both personal health and environmental well-being.
Keep in mind, gifts don’t have to be expensive to make a big impact. Thoughtful, functional, or creative presents often offer tremendous value, even on a small budget. This week, think about everyone on your list and how you can inspire long-lasting positive habits in the year to come. Incorporate health and wellness into your gift-giving and show your care for your loved ones' holistic well-being.
For additional resources and a recording of today’s episode visit wvik.org/wellness. You can also subscribe to Wellness Wake Up Call today wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss out on these weekly wellness tips.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. This has been Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator, with University of Illinois Extension.
Resources:
· https://extension.illinois.edu/global/events