Struggling with keeping your New Year’s resolution?

Struggling with keeping your New Year’s resolution?

‘Temptation bundling’ may be the trick — match fun activities with ones you’ve been avoiding

Story by: Jenita Lyons on February 7, 2018

We’re now more than a month into the new year, and chances are many of us have already given up on our New Year’s resolutions. If you’re still dedicated to your resolution, congratulations! You are one of the small but mighty few who can make changes and stick with them!

If you need a little motivation to stick with your goals, we have a suggestion: temptation bundling.

According to the latest research in behavioral economics, temptation bundling is a proven way to make a change and stick with it. How does it work? You simply combine something you love to do with something you need to do.

Let’s use exercise as an example. If you are struggling to meet your physical activity goals, allow yourself to watch your favorite TV show only during or after your workout. Bundling these two activities will make you more likely to stick to a new routine.

The same goes for children: Find something your child loves to do, and find ways to pair it with healthier habits.

Here are a few ways you can use temptation bundling with your family for better health:

  • Skip treats such as ice cream until your family has met their steps goal for the day.
  • Listen to your favorite audiobook/podcast only while exercising.
  • Buy that new outfit for yourself or toy for your child after your family has met a food journaling goal.
  • Go out to dinner with the family only if everyone leaves their mobile devices off the dinner table.

What’s your bundling strategy going to be?

Get started by making a list of the activities you should be doing in one column and a list of activities you enjoy doing in another column. Mix and match, and start bundling!

Stay healthy and active by joining an upcoming Norton Children’s program

Healthy Weight and Your Child

Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness is teaming up with the YMCA to present a new program called “Healthy Weight and Your Child.” The family-based lifestyle change program is hosted by Norton Weight Management Center. It’s a four-month commitment for children ages 7 to 13 with a BMI in the 95th percentile or higher. An adult must attend weekly sessions with the child.

With a focus on healthy eating, physical activity, grocery shopping and group support, the program has been proven to help families manage weight, increase activity and improve self-esteem.

Pediatric providers may refer patients by completing the form at YMCALouisville.org. Families who qualify for the program may not need a referral. Learn more at an upcoming orientation session:

Tuesday, Feb. 27 , 6 to 7:30 p.m., or Saturday, March 3, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Norton Weight Management Center • 1000 Dupont Road • Louisville, Kentucky

For more information, call the Y

 

Healthy Living Workshops

Join Norton Children’s child health specialists for a six-week workshop series designed to support families with teens in their journey toward healthy living.

The workshops will focus on:

Goal setting for healthy habits

Healthy meal planning and prep

Fun ways to stay active, including free passes to the YMCA!

Tools to positively reduce stress

Tuesdays, April 10 to May 15 • 5:30 to 7 p.m.