Mt. Lebanon Magazine: New Year’s Resolutions

New Year. New You. Excellent words to live by, but how many people actually do that?

According to a study by Columbia University, while nearly 50 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, only about 25 percent of them actually stick to those resolutions for more than a month. Even fewer, less than 10 percent, actually accomplish their goals.

No wonder the second Friday in January has been dubbed “Quitters’ Day” by data analysts. No worries. I’m here to help you over that hump!

I reached out to Mt. Lebanon’s experts in the areas of health, fitness and beauty and asked them to share their recommendations for staying on track in 2025.

HEALTH
Kyle P. Duff, MD, of St. Clair Medical Group Internal Medicine offered this advice: “Leave behind resolutions that are big, revolutionary, vague, trendy or unrealistic. Instead, pick a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) goal that is directed at a small habit change with built-in accountability (there’s the social connection connection!). Goals that are incremental, habit-changing, flexible, tracked and celebrated along the way are going to lead to success over the long-term,” he said.

Dr. Duff’s framework for a balanced, healthy life that prevents disease and increases a sense of wellbeing contains four pillars: diet, exercise, sleep and connection. Keep in mind, these recommendations don’t apply if you’re pregnant, have diseases of the heart or kidneys, and should always be run past your personal physician before you apply them.

  1. Hydrate with pure water, between 11-15 cups per day, including with your meals. Drink to your thirst if you need it, especially if exercising or in hot weather.
  2. As you seek to increase your moderate-intensity exercise to a goal of 150 minutes per week, consider asking someone else to join you. Accountability is a very important factor in pressing on toward any goal.
  3. Stop using screens at least an hour before bedtime. The combination of blue light and mental stimulation does not allow your mind to descend into deep sleep phases that repair and refresh the body and brain.
  4. Whether you are lacking connection to other people, a higher power, your inner life or a sense of meaning, make time to be present and engage with what matters. We are as a nation grappling with loneliness; you are not alone. Here is an additional resource offers initial steps in addressing the problem of American loneliness.
  5. New Year’s resolution makers are actually in the minority. You don’t need a new year to start something new; just a new framework. Talk to a medical or mental health professional if you need help.

BEAUTY
I asked Mt. Lebanon resident Evelyn Aikin of Skin Boutique to weigh in on beauty recommendations. Here’s what she shared with me.

  1. Remove your makeup every day and be sure that your pillowcase and makeup brushes are always fresh.
  2. Wear your sunblock daily — no matter the season.
  3. Exfoliate and use a hydration mask once a week and, even more importantly, drink your water!
  4. Not every skin care product in the market is for you. Always listen to professionals, including dermatologists and estheticians, for a customized skin care routine. Remember just like us, our skin and body are always changing too.
  5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise. Supplements and probiotics can help too.
  6. The most important thing is to commit to consistency. Love the skin that you are in.

FITNESS
Tristen Lucas of StretchLab Mt. Lebanon offered this advice for anyone resolving to become more fit in the new year.

  1. Dynamic stretches, like leg swings or arm circles, are perfect for warming up before exercise. Static stretches, like holding a hamstring stretch, are ideal for cooling down and improving flexibility. Spend five minutes on dynamic stretches before your next workout to prepare your body for movement, and five minutes on static stretches afterwards to aid recovery.
  2. Regular stretching improves blood flow to muscles, making them more resilient during workouts or daily activities. Incorporate a 10-minute stretching routine focusing on common problem areas like the hamstrings, lower back and shoulders into your daily schedule.
  3. Poor posture is such a huge problem in today’s sedentary world! Targeting key muscle groups like the neck, shoulders and chest can counteract the effects of sitting for long hours. Spend five minutes daily on stretches like chest openers, neck rolls and cat-cow poses to realign your posture and relieve tension.
  4. Stretching is also a powerful tool for mental wellbeing. Combined with deep breathing, stretches can help reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve focus. Try ending your day with a calming stretch sequence paired with slow deep breaths.

Here’s hoping if you follow the advice of these experts, you’ll have some achievable New Year’s resolutions. Happy 2025!

Resource: https://lebomag.com/new-years-resolutions/

First Published January 7, 2025, by Carrie Moniot.