Kim Griffin
Contributor
The start of a new year is the perfect time to focus on improving your health and well-being. Setting health goals can provide a roadmap for positive change and help you stay motivated throughout the year. To ensure success, it’s important to set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely (SMART) goals. Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” consider concrete goals like, “I will commit to exercising for 30 minutes every day for the next 30 days, tracking my progress daily to ensure consistency,” or “I will add two servings of vegetables to my meals every day for the next 30 days, recording each serving to stay on track.” These small, achievable steps serve as building blocks for long-term change. Equally important is tracking your progress and celebrating milestones along the way. Monitoring tools, such as fitness apps, journals or checklists, can help you stay accountable. Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, reinforces positive habits and keeps you motivated. If you encounter setbacks, don’t be discouraged—use them as opportunities to reassess and refine your plan. Remember to be kind to yourself and stay flexible; this mindset is key to achieving your goals without feeling overwhelmed. Finally, consider taking a holistic approach to your health goals by addressing your physical, mental and emotional well-being. This might include combining regular physical activity with mindfulness practices or prioritizing social connections to support mental health. Spending time with friends and family or even joining community groups can provide additional motivation and support. By setting clear health goals and creating a supportive environment, you can make the new year an opportunity for growth and positive change. Are you ready to jumpstart your health and wellness journey? Join us for Walking Off the Holidays, an event sponsored by the Department of Health–Suwannee, UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension and Suwannee County Parks and Recreation. This annual event promotes health and wellness by encouraging residents to walk off the extra pounds often gained during the holidays. This year’s event will take place at the First Federal Sportsplex, located at 1201 Silas Dr., in Live Oak, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This family-friendly activity will include a scavenger hunt, prizes and activities for all ages. Join the fun, get some exercise, and start the year on the right path to health and wellness! UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institute.