New Year, BEST You!

Did you know that on average, 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February? Now that we’re halfway through the month of January, let’s take time to assess the resolutions we entered the year with and make sure we’re creating realistic goals rooted in sustainable growth and change. Martha’s Table is committed to standing alongside you this year as you commit to healthier habits and stick with them!

If you find yourself struggling to maintain your current resolution OR falling off the wagon, our Mental Health Coordinator Sarina Sechrist, identified 10 sustainable alternatives to traditional resolutions that are more likely to be successful!

1. ‘Lose weight’ Alternative resolution: Get enough vitamins and minerals and/or eat fruits and vegetables daily.
   Adding healthier foods is easier than taking away foods. Naturally, consumption of unhealthy foods will decrease because you will be less hungry, shifting focus from weight to health. Come shop our fresh fruits and veggies at our Joyful Food Markets.
2. ‘Start a gym membership’ Alternative resolution: Get 15 minutes of physical activity daily.
   Our lives are busy, going to the gym is not always realistic. Exercising 15 minutes a day is small enough to incorporate even during busy days and will give you the motivation to increase the time duration as you see yourself maintaining the 15-minute goal. Check out Martha’s Table virtual workout classes. 
3. ‘Delete social media’ Alternative resolution: 15 minutes of screen time with reading or meditating each day.
   All-or-nothing approaches are difficult to maintain and often leave us feeling defeated when they fail. Instead, start small. You can stay at the smaller goal or build your way up to a bigger target. Want to read more in 2022? Join the Community Changemakers Book Club. 
4. ‘Find a significant other’ Alternative resolution: Identify what qualities you do not want in a relationship.
   Finding a partner is not something that is totally within your control. However, you can increase your chances of having healthy, fulfilling relationships by identifying what does not work for you before entering into relationships. Take time to learn more about self-care by joining Martha’s Table on Saturday, February 12, 2022, for Self Care Day from 10 Am to 2 PM. The event link can be found here. 
5. ‘Get more sleep’ Alternative resolution: Pick one day per week to go to bed early or sleep in late.
   Making goals specific and measurable will help you hold yourself accountable. Sign up for upcoming wellness workshops by contacting Sarina Sechrist at ssechrist@marthastable.org or 202-946-7400 ext:2059.
6. ‘Save money’ Alternative resolution: Cancel one monthly subscription and put that money directly in savings.
   Making goals specific and measurable will help you hold yourself accountable. Memberships often go unused. This is a simple way to increase your monthly savings that will add up over the course of the year. Financial literacy is an important part of economic mobility. Martha’s Table is excited to roll out its economic mobility program which will spearhead workforce development and community-led initiatives in 2022. To learn more about Martha’s Table economic mobility program and upcoming events, email David, Deputy Chief of Programs at dlloyd@marthastable.org
7. ‘Volunteer more’ Alternative resolution: Donate to one charity or attend one community event.
   Making goals specific and measurable will help you hold yourself accountable. Interested in volunteering at Martha’s Table community event?  We are offering nearly 160 volunteer opportunities in the month of February alone! Sign-up here
8. ‘Stop overcommitting to plans/work’ Alternative resolution: Say “no” once per week.
   Saying “no” is a gift you give to yourself, and you deserve gifts weekly, not just on holidays! Interested in talking to a counselor about setting healthy boundaries for yourself in 2022? Contact Sarina Sechrist at ssechrist@marthastable.org or 202-946-7400 ext:2059
9. ‘Relax more’ Alternative resolution: One night per week with no chores or plans.
   Spending one night during the week recharging will prevent the “end of week burnout” we often feel and reduce stress. The dishes and laundry will still be there tomorrow! Sign-up for the Stress Management Workshop through Martha’s Table, here.
10. ‘Spend more time in your relationships’ Alternative resolution: Alternate hosting/scheduling monthly get-togethers with family and friends.
    Balancing relationships can be overwhelming. Sharing the responsibility of the planning, and spending time as a group can help lighten the load, allowing you to fully enjoy the time shared with loved ones. Martha’s Table Family Engagement program provides resources for families in the District, to learn more click here. 

Now that you have the 10 alternative New Years’ resolutions identified by Martha’s Table Mental Health Coordinator, Sarina Sechrest, start 2022 with more confidence but keep these 4 general tips in mind. 

1. Avoid over-assessing progress and don’t have an all-or-nothing mindset, it’s not about each individual day it’s about the pattern. 
2. Don’t “wait till Monday to start over”. If you missed your goal this morning, try again this afternoon. The longer you wait to “start again”, the less likely you are to resume the goal
3. If possible have an accountability partner, someone who will check in and motivate you, not judge you
4. Remember goals should add to your life, not frustrate you!
   

To learn more about Martha’s Table emotional wellness program offerings, contact Sarina at ssechrist@marthastable.org or 202-946-7400 ext:2059