Getting more sleep and losing some weight are two of the most sought after healthy lifestyle changes.

• Instead of “I’ll get more sleep”…Think “I’ll bump up my bedtime.”

The optimum amount of sleep is between seven and nine hours. The blue light from phones and computers can delay the release of the sleep inducing hormone melatonin.  Try the app that dims your screen as the sun sets and set a micro resolution to go to bed 15 minutes earlier on Monday. Continue to bump your bedtime up until you are getting an extra fifteen minutes of possible snooze time is in place seven days a week.

• Instead of “I’m going to lose 10 pounds”…Think “I’ll weigh myself daily.”

According to the Journal of Obesity, those who weigh themselves and log their results daily lost more weight over the course of a year than those who didn’t.  Daily feedback alerts you to adjust your eating and exercise habits.  This is what can make changes sustainable over time, as opposed to cutting out entire food groups.

10 Micro Resolutions by June DeMelo

Make sure that your micro resolutions (action steps or mini goals) are SMART:

We tend to focus on how much we weigh, however a healthy waist circumference is one of the five lifestyle changes that can prevent a heart attack.  So think of the tape measure and scale as your friends.  Remember to have time-limits for your micro resolutions in order to have success on your path to living a healthier lifestyle.