A community health professional said healthy habits are essential to meeting New Year’s health resolutions, as small changes lead toward progress.
Tennessee Department of Health’s Kerri Matthews said the main influence on weight loss is daily habits. Matthews said when people consistently shift habits to make healthier choices on a smaller scale, progress can be seen.
“A lot of people really focus on a scale and they often think about their weight and often focus on that number, but really our weight is a side effect of our lifestyle and those healthy habits,” Matthews said. “So it’s best to really think about those small daily habits that we form.”
Matthews said people should think about how they can adapt these habits into their busy lives, as we all work, with many carrying multiple responsibilities like families and hobbies. Matthews said attainable healthy habits are key to meeting health goals.
“Keeping in mind that perfection is not the goal, it’s really about consistency and driving those small consistent habits on a day-to-day basis,” Matthews said. “That will help us reach those overall health goals.”
Matthews said to pick one simple change to begin, such as taking a walk each day, drinking more water or going to bed earlier. Matthews said once implementing one change, build upon the progress with more goals.
“Just remembering that it’s about consistency, not perfection, and it really comes from those small, consistent habits,” Matthews said.
Matthews said she recommends people have an accountability partner to check in on their progress toward reaching goals. Matthews said friends, church members and local programs can help keep those struggling with resolutions on track toward health goals.
“Having that support and accountability is really really important to make our healthy habits sustainable,” Matthews said. “A lot of studies even show that it makes someone up to 95 percent more likely to have success with taking on healthy habits if they have consistent and ongoing accountability checks.”
Matthews said many changes can impact health, such as eating more whole foods, prioritizing sleep, managing stress and choosing to quit smoking and vaping. Matthews said the department has seen improvements that matter more than weight or a number from these changes.
Matthews said people will not achieve goals overnight. Matthews said focusing on daily, consistent habits is important for reaching overall goals.