How do you recommend students maintain their health and fitness goals in the New Year?

“Health and fitness goals can mean a lot of different things.  In general, small changes are always better than large lofty goals when it comes to improving fitness and health.  Focusing on different types of goals is also important, for example, if drinking more water throughout the day is a goal, then adding just one glass more per day is more attainable than trying to drink 128 ounces of water that day.  If running a marathon or adding an exercise routine is a goal, then starting to add ‘minutes not miles’ is a great way to make a small change.”

Do you have any specific tips for mental health, such as ways to avoid stress and procrastination? 

“Avoiding stress can be hard for everyone, and sometimes can’t be prevented.  Stress can be seen in a positive way, but changes mentally and physically can’t happen without stress.  To minimize negative stressors, a good place to start is by identifying what is actually causing negative stress.  Once identified, it can be more manageable to tackle those tasks, and procrastination can be decreased.  I’ve found that identifying and making a list or spreadsheet and reminders in my calendar are great ways to stay productive.”

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

“I tend to not make resolutions, as I’ve learned that they tend to be super unrealistic goals that I’ve never been able to attain.  My smaller goals moving into a new year are to keep a grateful mindset when I feel negativity weighing me down, to drink more water daily, and to move everyday by exercising or just walking.”

The King Street Chronicle thanks Mrs. Christina Cauliffe, Athletic Trainer and Grade Ten Health Teacher, for her contributions to “Humans of Sacred Heart.”