Eat less and move more How to implement resolutions

Capturing and implementing intentions: This is how you succeed in eating less and getting more exercise
The turn of the year is just around the corner. Like every year, many people set themselves certain goals for the New Year. However, it is not easy to follow all the good intentions. Experts give tips on what can help.

Does it make sense to make intentions for the new year??
Quit smoking, drink less alcohol, lose a few pounds, eat healthier, avoid stress, do more exercise: these are all typical intentions that people make as the New Year approaches. And it's not long until 2017. But how useful is it to forge such plans? Is not it disappointing if the goals are not achieved? Experts have some tips on how it can work with the good intentions.

2017 is coming. Many people are starting to live healthier lives at the turn of the year. But it is not easy to follow the good intentions. Experts give tips on what can help. (Image: Calado / fotolia.com)

Think about your own lifestyle
"Good intentions always make sense and every day of the year," said the diploma and sports psychologist Kareen Klippel, in a message from the news agency dpa. Because according to the founder of the network "sportpsychologe.de" good intentions are also an opportunity to think about your own lifestyle. But you should pay attention to a few things when formulating the intentions.

According to Klippel, you should be aware of why you want to change something: "The recognition of the need" behind "the intent can motivate quite strong to implement," said the expert, who advises top athletes, coaches, teams and amateur athletes in the Cologne area. In addition, it is important that the intentions feel good and you feel anticipation instead of deprivation when thinking about the upcoming change.

Better set realistic goals
In addition, the plans for the changes in life should not be too serious, other experts say. Because the endurance is difficult, especially if the goals are set too high. "Better to set few realistic goals and achieve them, than pursue too many utopian projects," advises the DAK doctor Elisabeth Thomas. So the motivation to increase and the chances to stay in the long term would be increased significantly.

Formulate goals using the SMART criteria
Klippel recommends formulating concrete goals. This works best with the SMART criteria. As the psychologist explained in the agency message, S stands for specific - one should formulate the goal as accurately and unambiguously as possible.

M means measurable - it should be possible to check whether the goal is achieved. Furthermore, the goal should be attractive (A) and prepare for anticipation. R stands for the goal should be realistic and T for appointment. With this one should determine until when one wants to have reached the goal.

What to do? - Do it!
But despite all the good intentions, it often hapert on the implementation. What should be done then? "It sounds almost banal and yet it is the most effective:" Do it! ", Said Klippel. Usually the first step is the hardest. However, if one has stuck to his resolution on 1 January, the likelihood of doing so on 2 January is greater. According to the sports psychologist, it also helps to find a training partner or join a sports group. (Ad)