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No Comments [ Add Comment ]Is there a secret to keeping New Year's resolutions?
By Kaitlin Lewis5, 4, 3, 2, 1 .... Happy New Year!
So you pick up the confetti, throw away the cups, turn off the television and go to bed. We all know what happens next. Yes, it is time for New Year's resolution planning!
What kind of things are we looking at when it comes to resolutions?
Quitting smoking and drinking, unfortunately, are problems that some teens face. In my opinion, there are not any cons to quitting smoking, unless you believe that those so-called friends will no longer be friends with you when you tell them you're going clean or sober.
The pros reach beyond what you may even think about. Smoking will cause yellowing of teeth, premature aging in the face, bad breath and nasty fingers. High school students will kiss and they will hold hands. Most kids will not be willing to kiss a used ashtray or hold onto a bundle of cigarette butts.
You also have the health factors. According to www.quitsmokingsupport.com, there are more than 4,000 chemicals -- 43 that cause cancer -- and more than 400 toxins in each cigarette. It does not take the surgeon general to know that that is not good for you. So the pros to not smoking are better looks and better health.
With drinking, it is a whole other story; www.alcoholalert.com reports that in the year 2004, there were 72 deaths caused by drunk drivers in the state of Utah. California was at the top of the list with 1,643 deaths. That is just a little less than the number of students you may have in your school.
If you are selfish enough to say "What's in it for me?," well, alcohol immediately kills brain cells, and long term causes liver disease. So if you are looking for a longer healthier life, not drinking is the way to go.
Every new year, people also say that they are going to eat healthier, go on a diet, exercise or lose weight.
If you are a regular at your local gym, I'm sure you've realized that the first week after the new year your favorite elliptical may be occupied by an out-of-shape soccer mom, or the weights are being used by that businessman who frequents the doughnut shop on his way to work and then sits at a desk all day.
But very quickly people will lose their drive to get up and go to the gym three or more days a week. Even teens like you and I, who think we are invincible and can do whatever we want, will get discouraged.
Other common resolutions for teens might be trying to give up a certain food or soda. Say you give up potato chips and pop, what do you do at parties, bring your own carrot sticks? This could possibly lead to you being asked a slew of questions or being subject to funny looks. But then again, you are the one getting healthier by giving up junk and making the smarter choices for tomorrow.
All of these popular resolutions can include a price tag. The gum and patches, support groups or counseling for giving up smoking and alcohol, the workout equipment, diet plans or personal trainers for healthier living. If you do not succeed in your resolution, then you will lose more than just a little self-esteem, but money, too.
I have four tips when it comes to resolutions.
* Make the resolution a goal. A resolution is a decision you make with the intent of following through. A goal takes your decision and puts it into workable steps.
* Try to achieve your goal with a friend or family member; it helps when you have someone else keeping you going.
* Be reasonable with your choices; do not go out and spend loads of cash on one thing or set outrageous goals. You will not be able to lose 150 pounds in a month no matter how hard you try.
* Write down what you are going to do; it will help you if you can see it on paper as a reminder.
So don't stress the New Year. Make it easier on yourself and set goals you can handle.
Kaitlin Lewis is a Syracuse High School junior. E-mail her at kaitlew35_tx@hotmail.com.
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