What you find is that you make a lot of New Year's resolutions and you tend not to keep them, but some you do, but you're probably better off not and then just doing what you need to do.
Before saying goodbye to 2007, many people are taking time to reflect on changes they want, or need, to make in their lives. Some of the most popular New Year's resolutions include those associated with health, physical fitness, or beating cigarette, alcohol and other addictions.
People also tend to resolve to spend more time with family and friends, get out of debt, or simply enjoy life to the fullest.
Becky Atkinson, a health consultant and water aerobics instructor at Nautilus Health and Fitness in Orangeburg, said Nautilus generally sees a spike in membership at the beginning of each new year.
"People are always here the first of the month in January," Atkinson said. "They make the resolution New Year's Eve, and by Valentine's Day in February, they've forgotten what their New Year's resolution was."
For those wanting to make a change in their health practices in 2008, Atkinson recommends participating in any type of physical exercise. Nautilus and other local gyms and health clubs offer a wide variety of activities -- ranging from boot camps to step and aerobics classes, to st
andard exercise equipment for a more personalized approach -- that can help keep the body in shape.
"The main thing is a lifestyle change," Atkinson said. "You have to have it set that you're going to change -- not just a physical appearance."
And, as a good rule of thumb, Atkinson said it is always helpful to cut back on, and watch, what you eat.
For those wanting to end substance abuse, Mike Dennis, director of adolescent services at the Orangeburg-based Tri-County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, said support is essential.
"The initial key would be seek support from an agency such as ours to get professional counsel," Dennis said, adding that people can also seek guidance and encouragement from 12-step community programs such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous.
Examining what triggers the use of a particular abused substance is crucial, he said. Influences can include friends and family members, or certain places, such as bars and clubs, Dennis said. Sometimes, he said triggers can be emotional, like depression, and should be evaluated.
"The obvious solution would be to stay away from those things that trigger the use of the substance," Dennis said.
If it's not a physical change you're resolving to make but rather wish to gain financial health in the New Year, Michele Cox of Community Resource Bank in Orangeburg said there are several things you can do.
"The credit card thing is where most people get into trouble," she said.
Her tips for controlling, and possibly eliminating, debt in 2008?
Minimize the number of credit cards you have.
Try to consolidate your debt so that you have just one payment.
Look at all the debt you have, and see what charges the highest rate. Try to lower the rate, or work at getting the highest rate item paid off first.
People regularly go to banks to consolidate their debt, Cox said, adding that paying minimum payments on credit cards can take forever, and people want an alternative.
She recommends paying off all credit cards and closing the accounts, leaving only one or two major credit cards for personal use.
T&D Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached by e-mail at cnewson@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540.