Most health resolutions are short-lived. Somehow life creeps in, getting in the way of our greatest intentions. It doesn't have to be this way.
The secret, our experts have found, may be to change your definition of success. Discover personal stories from health professionals known for trustworthy health advice.
We asked Mayo Clinic experts: What's the best health resolution you've kept?
Edward Laskowski, M.D., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: The best health resolution I ever kept is maybe not having any health resolutions.
Lisa King, R.N., Transplant Center: I would like to say I try to exercise and keep myself fit. As I get older, that's a little more difficult.
Dr. Laskowski: Hopefully never having to have a resolution but kind of incorporating the things that we should be doing every day into the fabric of life.
Nolan Peterson, Wellness Coach, Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program: My dentist would be pleased with this. I just started flossing one day and I actually ended up doing that for a whole year.
Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., Preventive Cardiology: To watch my thoughts. Because the natural, default mode of the brain is worry. Redirecting that to the positive mindset I think requires energy and some decision through the day.
Ann Kearns, M.D., Endocrinology: The best health resolution I ever kept was writing down three things that I'm grateful for at the end of the day before I go to bed. What went right and what am I grateful for, even if it was a stressful day.
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