The start of a new year and a new decade is a great time to focus on new goals. Many people create goals surrounding their health, which is why Erin Cheever, a Doctor of Psychology Student at the Family Health Clinic, is starting a New Year, Healthier You group.
To learn more about creating successful resolutions and to find out how you can join this new group and achieve your goals, read our interview with Erin Cheever below.
The New Year, Healthier You Group
This new Family Health Clinic group is open to any individual who has a goal to be healthier and is motivated to make the changes necessary to begin on a healthier journey. Currently the group is targeted towards adults 18 and over.
Erin Cheever said this about why she created the group to, “help people feel like they are not alone in the weight loss process. Many people have goals for the New Year about losing weight or being healthier and many people give up on those goals by the third week in January. I wanted this group to keep the momentum and help people see that they can make progress with the help of others.”
Weekly Goals & Accountability
Each New Year, Healthier You session will last one hour. In the beginning, we will have some education on healthy living each session, such as diet information, information about apps that help, the importance of logging, etc. Then, we will have time for each person to share their progress on their goals and discuss barriers they faced. Group members are encouraged to give support and advice. Then, each group member will set a concrete goal for the next week that we can check in on each week.
For those that are interested, you also have the option to have an “accountability buddy” who is a group member you can text or call during the week when you are struggling to meet your goal or just need encouragement.
Missing A Session
If you have to miss a session or can’t make the first session, here’s what Erin Cheever has to say.
“Life is busy, so I understand not everyone will make every session. I recommend trying to come to each session but if you cannot, I will arrange for a quick phone call to set your weekly goal. This goes for the first session as well, if they can attend the second, we will do a brief introduction and then proceed as normal.”
How to Register:
To sign up for his group, speak to your Family Health Clinic provider and let them know that you’re interested. You can also call (800) 321-5043 and ask to speak to a Behavioral Health Specialist. We will then quickly meet with you to discuss you overall goal and get you registered.
Setting Resolutions in 2020
If you can’t join us for the New Year, Healthier You group, Erin still has recommendations for setting successful resolutions this year.
First, find a resolution you are passionate about and willing to work for. “Working toward resolutions is about the end goal, but also about who you become and work towards along the way,” Erin said.
Erin’s next piece of advice is to set SMART goals.
” Always use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time Sensitive) to help make sure you have concrete steps to take. Also, have both long term and short term goals! It’s all about taking baby steps and celebrating your small accomplishments to help you stay motivated to reach your big goals.”
We’re Here to Help
The Family Health Clinic is here to support you with all of your health goals for 2020. Talk to your Nurse Practitioner about your health goals and see how we can assist you.
For more information, call (800) 321-5043.
