Don’t give up on New Year’s health resolutions
Matlacha Wellness owner says changing habits is key to reaching goals
According to Michael Lindsay, owner of Matlacha Wellness, it’s never the wrong time to create good health habits, and even the smallest changes can lead to significant and lasting results, down the road.
The number one way to make sure a goal to change becomes a habit, he said, is to link it to an emotional cord that will keep people on track with whatever means the most to them. Many times people tell him or his associates they would like to lose weight. Lindsay said it’s important to first ask yourself what will change as a result of having lost weight.
“I’m going to feel better about myself, I’m going to fit into my clothes, I’m going to feel sexier — that why is the main thing. Write it down so you can look at it regularly,” Lindsay said.
Because humans are emotional beings, the more emotional the “why” becomes, the more likely people will be to continue to stay on track, and reach their goals, he said. Creating the right environment to lose weight is born from creating habits that will lead to that goal, long term. He also recommends not trying to take on too much at one time.
“Little things like drinking enough water and eating slower will make a big difference over time. A lot of the time these habits you’re creating are going to be life-long, which is going to be a benefit for the rest of your life,” Lindsay said.
Time management should be another priority, he said. Looking at a schedule and making decisions about what can be done on a daily or weekly basis will play a major role in making changes that last.
He also recommends getting help if someone is finding it difficult to make the time or the plan to change. Finding a credible and reliable coach or nutritionist to help with planning as well as providing accountability is important, he said, as someone may advertise help for reaching goals in an unrealistic amount of time.
If someone has stopped short of their New Year’s resolution to get healthier, Lindsay said his team would try to understand the reasons they have not been able to accomplish their goals, and help them put a plan together to help them accomplish that goal.
“When it comes to weight loss, you can’t determine how much weight you’re going to lose. All you can do is do the things it takes to lose the weight, and those things are going to help you become healthier along the way,” Lindsay said.
Lindsay maintains that people who are confident in the way they look tend to naturally feel better, creating a cycle of healthy habits, adding that certain ailments, such as back issues or acne, can impede the process.
“One of our mottos is that we are here to help you live your best life. If you feel better, you’re healthier, you look better and you’re going to enjoy life more because you like yourself more. Don’t give up. Small progress is better than no progress,” Lindsay said.
The Matlacha Wellness studio is at 4130 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993. The Pine Island studio is at 5261 Pine Island Road, N.W., #103, Bokeelia FL 33993. For more information, call 239-558-4146 or visit Matlachawellness.com
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