Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?

Happy New Year from the O.T. Department at Elizabethtown College!

Do you make New Year’s resolutions?  How many do you make?  Do you write them down somewhere and then revisit them to see if you achieve them?

Making a new year’s resolution is similar to setting goals for our patients/clients, right?  We set a “big picture” or long-term goal, and then we make several smaller steps or short-term goals to help reach the overarching goal.

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?  

Here are some ideas to help you achieve better health and well-being in the New Year:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables – even if you don’t achieve the recommended 5 servings/day, at least aim for this 1-2 times per week.
• Get more physical exercise or activity – use the steps, go for a walk, take a swim, enroll in a Zumba class or other exercise class
• Disconnect from your technology periodically so that you can fully enjoy the people and the world around you
• Get outside for some sunshine and to interact with nature
• Engage in a hobby or leisure activity that you enjoy at least once a week
• Exercise your mind – read a good book, practice meditation or relaxation
• Volunteer your time and your talents
• Allow yourself enough time for sufficient sleep and rest

For your professional, clinical practice, how about these?

• Learn something new about your area of practice
• Supervise a fieldwork student
• Volunteer for a committee or special project
• Learn to use your electronic medical record
• If you are not already a member, join your professional association – e.g. POTA, AOTA, or others related to your work