As we close out 2017, many people will welcome 2018 by creating New Year resolutions. Did you know that research shows only 9% of the people who set a goal in 2017 felt they were successful? So, what are the secrets to the elite individuals who meet their New Year’s resolution? You may think the answer is willpower, but it is really about developing these skills:

1. Create a SMART goal. There is something refreshing about creating goals at the start of a new year. Many people make resolutions to improve health. Keep in mind that being healthy includes both your physical and mental health. Whether you make a commitment to exercise more, eat healthier foods, or slow down, it is important to have an action plan to help you meet your goal.

2. Measure your progress. It is said that “if you can measure it, you can change it.” Measuring your goals helps you adjust your efforts to meet your goal.

January 2018

Setting Goals and Staying Healthy

New Year’s Resolutions3. Be patient. This is a hard one for

many people. We want to see quick results. However, be mindful that long-term change takes time.

4. Share your goals. Social support is very important. Yes, it may take courage to share something that you may need help with, however, having an accountability partner is key. Select an accountability partner who wants to support you by checking in weekly.

5. Schedule it. Don’t fall into excuse mode by saying you don’t have time to do it. It can be challenging to “find time.” You need to make the time. Block it out on your weekly schedule; just like you would your doctor’s appointments.

6. Something is better than nothing. Be careful falling into the “all or nothing” trap. Did you ever think “well, I might as well not workout today since I don’t have 30 minutes?” However, do you have 5 or 10 minutes? Any effort is better than no effort.

7. Get up when you slip up. Vince Lombardi said, “It isn’t whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.” Resiliency is the key to your success.

Set SMART Goals

Adapted from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2016/12/26/7-secrets-of-people-who-keep-their-new-years-resolutions/#57f640187098

Specific: What do you want to do?

Measurable: How will you know when you reached

your goal?

Achievable: Is it in your power to accomplish it?

Realistic: Is it possible to achieve?

Timely: When do you want to finish the goal?

“Clip and Save”Makes it easy to clip out and save

this healthy recipe before recycling your newsletter.

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Healthy Eats

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Ingredients:• 2 large very ripe bananas• 1 cup natural peanut butter• 1 ½ cups gluten free rolled oats• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon• Optional: 3/4 cup add-ins of choice, like chocolate chips,

coarsely chopped dates or dried fruitDirections:

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AR0J2Z3dm7YL-4EGPPJkU2rPVplEAiHYuAssWp8JflZdeqbH7DQ4EbSQ/

Early Childhood Wellness, a Program of Child Care Aware® of Kansas www.ks.childcareaware.org 1-855-750-3343Funding for this project was made possible by the Kansas Health Foundation.

Quick Movement Activities for Limited Spaces

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Cover a baking sheet with parchment or a nonstick pad.

2. In a food processor, combine all the main ingredients (no add-ins yet).3. Pulse until the oats are broken into small pieces, the banana is no

longer visible, and the whole thing has formed a thick paste.4. If you are using any add-ins, transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and

fold them in.5. Divide the dough into 2 Tablespoon portions.6. Roll each into a ball and flatten slightly with the palm of your hand

before placing on the prepared baking sheet.7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool

for 5-10 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Store in an airtight container for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months.

Power Cookies: Gluten Free, Vegan and Clean Eating

Ask the children—Can you? • Pounce like a tiger • Balance on a high wire • Climb a rope • Swagger like a cowboy • Fly like a butterfly • Dance like you’re on stage • Paint the fence • Wash the car • Shuffle like you just got out

of bed • Float in the waves at

the beach • Balance a ball like a seal • Wiggle like an inchworm • Push a rock up the hill

Healthy habits can protect you from the harmful effects of stress. Here are 10 positive healthy habits you may want to develop:

1. Talk with family and friends.

2. Engage in daily physical activity.

3. Embrace the things you can change. 4. Remember to laugh.

5. Give up the bad habits.

6. Slow down.

7. Get enough sleep.

8. Get organized.

9. Practice giving back.

10. Try not to worry.

Source: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/StressManagement/FightStressWithHealthyHabits/Fight-Stress-with-Healthy-Habits_UCM_307992_Article.jsp#.WjK4SVQ-f6c

“As If” Activity: • Run in place as if a big scary bear is

chasing you • Jump in place as if you are popcorn

popping • Reach up as if grabbing balloons out of

the air • March in place and play the drums as if

you are in a marching band • Paint as if the paint brush is attached to

your head • Swim as if you are in a giant pool of

Jell-O®• Move your feet on the floor as if you

are ice skating • Shake your body as if you are a wet dog

Are you looking to keep the kids moving, but are limited on space? These physical activities are great to get the heart rate going and keep the kids active.

Source: Heather Waterfield, Early Education Professional Development Specialist, Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri

Healthy Habits!

Fight Stress with These