We had our first group support meeting this week and it was a very positive experience. I was excited to get this part of the program started and excited to meet some of the folks in the CVRR Program. And to be honest I was a little nervous about the first meeting because I really want this to be an experience that everyone can benefit from.
Like I mentioned in an email, the group meeting will talk about the same subject as the monthly email tips. So this month we are focusing on setting goals and using the SMART goal template as a guide. SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time specific.
Here are some questions to think about when you are working on a goal for this program:
What kinds of things would you like to incorporate into your lifestyle that would improve your health?
What skills do you need to acquire that would improve your health?
What kinds of barriers are preventing you from acquiring those skills or incorporating healthy behaviors?
What motivates you to get past those barriers?
Now think about a time when you were eating healthier, getting more exercise, getting the proper amount of sleep, taking your medications regularly or using stress management techniques...how did you feel? Can the positive feelings you have experienced in the past, be motivation for you to take on the challenge of living healthier now?
Take a moment to answer some of these questions, and then write one simple goal you can focus on for the next week or month. Baby steps, baby steps...
Here is a SMART goal format you can use:
I will (your goal here) by (how you will do the goal). I will know I am making progress because (how you will measure the goal)(time goes here).
And an example of a SMART goal:
I will lose 20 pounds by increasing my exercise to 4 times a week and cutting back on sugar and portion sizes. I will know I am making progress because I will lose 2 pounds a week for ten weeks.
Please share your thoughts, feelings, goals, frustrations, questions, celebrations, etc. here on the blog!! I can't wait to hear how you are all doing.
