Habits

Updated September 30, 2022

Routines and Goalsetting

After doing some things the same way for years, it may feel daunting at first to try to change, even when you believe changes could be beneficial for your health. And that's no fun. That's why we've been focusing this year on the rewards when you have made a commitment to healthier living.

The rewards are numerous and often immediate. You get to feel better and less alone. You get to enjoy your family, your community and our state. You get to sleep more soundly knowing you have taken positive steps forward for you and your loved ones. You get to connect with resources that can help you be a healthier you physically, mentally, and even financially. You even get to inspire others, and that feels good.

During this final quarter in our Healthy You in 2022 campaign, we share how to make goals that you can achieve. A crucial first step is self-reflecting on what you want (and what may be holding you back).

We also share a science-based life hack or two that may help you on a rough day. For instance, did you know that calling “heads” or “tails” on a coin flip has been found to make people feel more likely to choose change, even if it’s hard? Or that imagining yourself doing something excites the same part of your brain that actually doing it does?

We remind you that falling short of your goal doesn’t mean you failed -- not if you look at it like you’re a scientist studying your own habits. We encourage you to “try, try again” until your new habit sticks and then to celebrate any steps forward you’ve taken, small or large.

We cheer you on, so you can continue to succeed at living your best life -- in 2023 and beyond. Plus, we feature stories from others who have persisted through challenging times.

We'll end the year with a celebration of regular Alaskans doing what they love, showcased in inspirational videos. We hope you join them in a way that's right for you. We'll leave up the following links, and this whole microsite, for your future reference.  

Each day is a new beginning. You got this.  

We got this.

Together.

These resources may help:

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force –What actions, preventive screenings, services or resources can help you reach your goals? Check here first to see if your plan matches up with the latest science-backed recommendations.
• Physical Activity Basics – This page from the CDC includes current recommendations for physical activity for different age groups and levels of physical capability.
• Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Top 10 Things You Need to Know 
• Prevent Cancer -- Learn which cancer screenings are right for you. Make healthy choices. Eat fruits and vegetables, be physically active, and never use tobacco.
• Alaska Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program provides the Omada free online Heart Disease Self-Management program to eligible Alaskans.
• YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program is a free public health program that empowers Alaskans to monitor and control their blood pressure.
• Million Hearts Initiative / Healthy is Strong - Part of the Million Hearts Initiative, the Healthy is Strong campaign for African American men includes a Personal Health Progress guide, including Tips for Goal Setting.
• Live to the Beat Initiative contains ideas for small steps you can take to prevent heart disease and stroke. Look under the pulldown menu “Take Small Steps” to find specific suggestions for your goal as well as tips and resources to overcome barriers and track progress. Covers these goals: move more; eat healthy; stress less; manage cholesterol; manage blood sugar; work with a doctor; control blood pressure; quit smoking.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share our posts -- and share your stories! How did you move toward a healthier you in 2022? Your lived and learned experience matters – and may even encourage others.