It’s that time of year again … it’s time to welcome in 2023 and write up those New Year’s resolutions.
Would you say 2022 was a good year or are you ready to move on? What about the month of January? Do you like how January is hyper focused on making new goals, or do you find goal-setting an overwhelming task? Perhaps you want that time of reflection and renewal, but living with a rheumatic disease takes the sparkle out of that New Year’s cheer?
Whether the next 365 days has you excited or not, our healthcare team at Paducah Rheumatology is ready to help you make the most of 2023.
A New Year’s Resolutions Guide
When it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, our blog is full of suggestions. You could make it a goal:
to start an anti-inflammatory diet and eat healthier foods
to decrease your inflammation by cutting out pro-inflammatory foods
to consume less sugar and sweets
to lose weight and take steps to maintain a healthy weight
to incorporate exercise into your daily routine
to avoid the top 10 triggers that lead to RA flares
to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume
to improve your morning routine to help with arthritis pain
to practice more self-care
to make your mental health and wellness a priority
to seek help if your mental health is struggling
to integrate natural, non-invasive treatment options into your treatment plan
to change your sleep habits and get adequate rest
to learn more about the long-term impact of autoimmune diseases, such as RA
to better understand your rheumatic disease diagnosis and its correlating symptoms
to ask more questions and gain more knowledge about your diagnosis
to receive treatment for your autoimmune disease that you’ve put off properly managing
Setting and keeping goals is an excellent way to manage a rheumatic disease.
Autoimmune diseases are progressive diseases that require regular and consistent effort to manage.
When you take steps to improve your overall health and wellbeing, those tangible actions can minimize your symptoms and even decrease disease progression.
What You Can Do This Coming Year
Wouldn’t you agree that people either love or hate New Year’s resolutions?
Here at Paducah Rheumatology, we understand that New Year’s resolutions come with a wide range of emotions. Some people might feel completely overburdened with a flood of stress and worry, and others might feel motivated and pumped up by the potential of new lifestyle choices.
Wherever you are at on that scale, we are here for you. We are here to support you and cheer you on through the good and bad that might come with 2023.
As you think of what you want to accomplish in the coming year, might we suggest:
To Set Realistic Expectations. Be aware of your limitations and make appropriate goals that you can realistically achieve. Setting yourself up for failure with unattainable resolutions is never a good idea.
To Start Small. Achieving your goals is all about taking baby steps to get where you want to go. Baby steps bring success. They lead you down a path to accomplish more in the long run.
To Consider the Past. For example, we have patients that enthusiastically begin an exercise program only to discover that it is too aggressive. Look at what has and has not worked for you in the past, then use those experiences to guide your future goals.
To Be Kind to Yourself. Change doesn’t occur overnight. Goals take time to achieve. Be patient with the process, and try not to get too discouraged.
To Remain Flexible. It is okay to change course. Don’t give up if you have to reevaluate and alter your original goals.
All in all, make sure to recognize your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. You got this!
And meanwhile, come see us at Paducah Rheumatology so we can help you manage your rheumatic disease in 2023.
We are accepting new patients with a physician’s referral. Give us a call at 270-408-6100 to set up an appointment.
Cheers to health and happiness in the year ahead!