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If you came into 2023 hopeful about the change that a new year can bring, you're not alone. Just look at New Year's resolutions, which up to 42% of Canadians have said they make regularly or occasionally.
Considering that 80% of people fail to meet their New Year's resolutions by February, you might be wondering if there's a better way to go about this self-improvement stuff. Yes, yes there is.
Step one involves saying "no" to the pressure of making changes stick the second the clock strikes 12, on a Monday or on the first day of the month. Step two involves using science to help you work smarter, not harder — an approach that wellness company Noom is hardcore behind.
Noom is a digital health platform that offers users the tools they need to form healthier habits, backed up by psychology, human coaching and technology.
While a lot of users turn to Noom to help them achieve weight-change goals, the app is loaded with tools to help out in all areas of life — from sleep and habit shifting to emotional well-being.
To give you an idea of what this looks like, here are seven lessons from Noom that you can apply throughout your whole life.
Find & use tools designed to help you succeed
Drobot Dean | Adobe Stock
If there's one thing humans are good at, it's finding tools to make jobs easier. In 2023, phones are the ultimate toolkits, and there's an app to help you do almost anything.
For instance, the Noom app helps you learn how to build new habits and gives you a place to track your progress toward your goals. Daily lessons give you evidence-based strategies to keep on track, and your personal coach is always ready to give you reassurance and motivation when you need it.
Plus, your Noom experience is a total custom fit that's based on what changes you want to make, how soon you want to make them and what fuels your fire to change.
You don't have to go it alone: There's an app for that.
Moving more benefits every body, no matter how you do it
You can call it "exercise" or "working out," but when you move your body in a way that feels good, you're ultimately moving with intention, and intention is everything.
Celebrating what your body can do can lead to some awesome physical benefits and support mental wellness.
Recognizing this (and the role of exercise in weight management), Noom lets you log your workouts in the app to help you stay on top of your new habit.
Whether it's a walk between meetings, a yoga session in your PJs, skipping rope or cleaning the house (yep, you can even log that), the app will have your back. It can remind you to take in extra fuel for all that movement, if you need it, and encourage you to keep it up.
It's mind & body, not mind over matter
cottonbro | Pexels
Anyone changing their physical habits knows it's not as simple as "just doing it." The mind can be your best friend or toughest critic. While there's advice out there to just push through the mental hurdles, there are less stressful ways to get your brain on your side.
The Noom app offers mindfulness exercises to help you live in the moment and stop worrying about the future. This can help you build the habit of staying present, which can help with all sorts of things — from enjoying meals more to falling asleep easier.
Whether you're looking for a boost of energy in the a.m. or some relaxation before bed, you can customize your meditation practice based on your lifestyle.
Progress, not perfection (or, why you should learn the guitar)
Drazen | Adobe Stock
There are plenty of good reasons to get creative, no matter how you do it. Doing something creative has been shown to reduce stress, and doing something with your hands can provide some much-needed downtime after a busy work day.
But one thing creativity also gives you is a sense of progression, which feels great! Writing a couple of lines in your journal every other night will eventually make your notebook a treasure trove of memories. Practicing an instrument will eventually lead to performing an entire song — even if you're the only audience member.
This is how the Noom app works too. By logging your efforts, little by little, you will see over time the amazing progress you have made toward your goals.
Need some ideas to get the creativity flowing? Check out some inexpensive creative hobbies you can do at home.
Make a habit out of eating mindfully
When you first explore Noom, you'll be prompted to reflect on some habits and emotions you may have around mealtime. For example, do you take the time to enjoy lunch during your workday? Are you usually on your phone or watching TV while eating? Do you often feel stressed, or bored, when you eat?
Whether you're a stellar cook or a food-delivery genius, becoming more mindful while chowing down can be a great way to appreciate your body and the food you're eating.
You can become more mindful during meals by expressing gratitude for the food, eating slowly so that you can savour all the delicious flavours and ditching screens that distract you from the experience.
Noom doesn't label any food "bad" or off-limits, but rather colour codes foods based on nutritional density and satiety to help you make choices that suit your goals. This way, you have the information you need to stay on track without obsessing about calories or nutrition facts.
Embrace the power & beauty of your relationships
Surround yourself with people who lift you up, make you laugh or inspire you.
Relationships are often an overlooked aspect of wellness, but integrating strong social connections into your life (or maintaining the ones you already have) can lead to lower stress and higher self-esteem.
Consider phoning a friend you haven't spoken to in a while or volunteering in your community to meet new folks.
Noom gets the benefits a good crew can provide. The platform offers group features to users so they can get social support and connect with others while working toward holistic health goals together.
Read more
Reading has been associated with positive brain changes. Cracking open a page-turner strengthens neural pathways and may help reduce cognitive decline as you age.
So finally get to that TBR (to-be-read) list or browse suggestions online. It could reduce stress, build empathy and exercise your imagination.
If self-growth is your jam, you can pick up some books and learn more about the psychology principles that the Noom app is built upon. Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Noom Mindset are both good places to start.
Building some serious habits can seem like a daunting endeavour, but understanding exactly why you want to add something new to your life is key to remaining dedicated. Try focusing on your "why" (the force that's inspiring you to reach your daily meditation goal) to stay motivated.
With its grounding in psychology, the Noom app helps you discover the how and why behind the actions you might take on your health journey. Incorporating new daily habits that make you feel good is what it's all about.
If you want to give Noom a try, you can take the Noom Quiz and get a personalized seven-day trial for as little as 50 cents.
So get ready to move through 2023 with confidence that you can smash your goals — whatever they are.
To learn more about Noom, check out their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
The information in this article is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.