Happy New Year! Are you feeling “in the zone” and ready to conquer your wellness goals? If you aren’t, don’t worry — we are here to help! Here at Chesapeake Vein Center & Med Spa, our wish is to not only help you start off the new year on the right foot, but to also help you stay the course!
In the hope of helping you achieve your New Year’s goals, here are three potential hazards to avoid on your wellness journey. We’ve nicknamed these hazards “goal-goblins” because they rob you of motivation and confidence, impeding your vital progress:
Goal Goblin #1: The All-Or-Nothing Mentality
So many of us grow up thinking that if we aren’t running a marathon or lifting 200-pound weights, we’re not really working out, but the fitness experts know better. Research indicates that every little bit of activity we do adds up, whether it’s walking up the stairs or across the parking lot on your way to work. Every step counts toward a healthier you. By the same token, research on goal-setting indicates that you are more likely to have success achieving a goal if you focus on consistency over intensity. In other words, instead of running five miles once or twice a week, try walking 10 minutes every day. Once you establish the habit of walking, you can gradually increase your distance and pace.
Goal Goblin #2: Perfectionism
Are you a self-proclaimed perfectionist or do you know someone who suffers from this affliction? Note: We are calling it an “affliction” because mind-body researchers indicate that perfectionism isn’t healthy or even helpful when it comes to achieving your goals. Research on people who have perfectionist tendencies indicates that perfectionists are less likely to feel content or joy in their lives. They are also more likely to be depressed and anxious. This is likely because there is no such thing as perfection, so if your goal is perfection, you will never feel good enough. But we know better here at Chesapeake Vein Center & Med Spa! You ARE good enough — you are worth it and you can do it! So, the next time the perfectionist goblins come knocking, you tell them to buzz off because it’s all about progress, not perfection — and every little imperfect step counts big!
Goal Goblin #3: Exhaustion/stress as a status symbol
Are you a mile-a-minute go-getter and multitasker? Do you wear exhaustion like a badge of honor? Then it’s time to take a nap. Seriously! The world will get along fine while you take a break. Though it’s hard to slow down when you are on the go all the time, taking frequent breaks to simply rest or play is essential to being successful and productive. Go-go-go seems like the surest way to get things done, but it turns out that breaks can help you reset, focus and be even more productive when you return to your project.
Another way to mix in breaks is practicing self-care in some way. If you schedule activities you love to do, you’ll be less inclined to skip them when you’re in the trenches of work. A few ideas for self-care treats include visiting your favorite med spa (hint-hint!), scheduling play time with your pet, watching a comedy show (laughter is the best medicine!) or napping, of course. The self-care possibilities are truly endless!
Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, and we are your cheerleaders and helpers every step of the way! To learn about self-care treatments at Chesapeake Vein Center & MedSpa, please call 757.663.5461 or request a consultation online today.