As we settle into the rhythm of the new year, it's the perfect time to check in on the resolutions we set at the beginning of the year. For many, these resolutions often revolve around two key areas: health and finances. Using SMART goals, explore some realistic approaches to healthy eating and mastering your finances in 2024.
What are SMART Goals?
Setting SMART goals is like drawing a roadmap to success. By ensuring they're Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, you set yourself up for meaningful progress. Think of it as painting a vivid picture of your objectives and the steps you'll take to reach them.
Specificity - provide a clear target, allowing you to focus on what's important.
Measurability - Offers a means to track progress, fostering motivation and accountability along the way.
Achievability - Sets realistic expectations, ensuring that success remains within reach, devoid of daunting impossibilities.
Relevancy - Makes sure your endeavors are worth the effort, pushing for a meaningful outcome.
Time-bound - Setting deadlines provides the push you need to stay focused and achieve success.
Revamping Your Eating and Exercise Habits for Better Health
Eating Healthy
Healthy eating involves consuming nutrient-dense foods most of the time while keeping an eye out for overconsumption of added sugars, sodium and saturated fats. You should strive to fill your plate with a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats while also having sufficient fluid intake.
A SMART goal aimed at adopting healthier eating habits for a college student could be: "Over the next month, I will replace highly processed and sugary snacks with healthy, nutritious alternatives, like fruits or nuts, at least three times a week to reduce my added sugar and sodium intake."
Here, each element of the SMART criteria is met:
Specific - replacing processed snacks with fruits/nuts
Measurable - aiming for at least 3 times a week
Achievable - within a month’s time
Relevant - targeting the reduction of sugar and sodium intake
Time-Bound - set for the next month).
You can see a clear plan of action with measurable results to track your progress towards achieving a healthier diet.
On-Campus Dining
Opting for healthier on-campus choices can significantly help you achieve any health-related goals. If you're uncertain where to start, visit the Nourish guidebook for more information on healthful eating in our locations. Keep an eye out for the Nourish icon when making food choices to guide your food selections towards healthier alternatives!
Exercise
Don't forget that incorporating exercise into your daily routine is also crucial for overall well-being. According to the The American Heart Association (AHA), adults are recommended to aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of both, along with incorporating muscle-strengthening activities, such as weightlifting or resistance training at least twice a week. It's essential to progressively increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to optimize their effectiveness.
Despite colder weather, there are numerous indoor options to stay active.
Explore the Hop Rec app to see a list of daily group fitness offerings at the Ralph S. O’Connor Recreation Center.
For residents of Hopkins View apartments, access to the well-equipped fitness room and yoga room provide a convenient opportunity to engage in physical activity regularly .
Master Your Finances With Effective Debt Management
Debt—nobody wants it, but most people have it. However, it doesn't have to be a burden lurking in the shadows. With SMART goals and these resources, you can confront it head-on and even use it to your advantage.
For example, a SMART goals for instance could be: "I will reduce my college loan debt by $10,000 within the next two years by allocating an additional $250 per month from my income, achieved by cutting down on my spending and finding part-time work."
As a member of the Johns Hopkins University community, you have access to an array of resources through our partnership with Marsh McLennan Agency, an independent investment adviser. Below are some tools to help you learn about debt and its potential benefits.
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Getting Started With Debt Management: Credit
When used judiciously, credit serves as a valuable financial tool. Whether for convenience, security, or significant investments like homes or education, the key lies in responsible credit usage to safeguard your financial standing. Explore this guide on initiating your debt management journey to navigate the intricacies of credit utilization effectively. There's nothing wrong with using credit. You might use it for convenience, security, or to make a major purchase like a house, car, or education. The key is to use your credit wisely to protect your credit standing and prevent getting caught up in an expensive cycle of high interest payments and fees. Learn More
Types of Debt
Did you know that not all debt is created equal? There are different kinds of debt. Depending on how well it's managed, it can hold the potential for positive impacts on your financial landscape. With MMA, you can look at different types of debt and their implications for your credit health.
Online Course: Getting Out of Debt (and Avoiding It in the Future)
While having debt is normal and sometimes an even necessary aspect of life, such as purchasing a home or furthering education, overextending yourself can lead to financial strain. But what happens if you take on more than you can handle? "Getting Out of Debt (and Avoiding It in the Future)" is an online course that delves into the dynamics of debt overload, the many types of debt, and how to recognize your personal relationship with debt. Through strategies and resources available to help you tackle your debt, discover how to evaluate your financial situation and look at how various paydown methods could work for you. By understanding potential where you can incur debt, you'll be a more equipped to navigate the complex financial landscape with confidence. Take the course here.
Want to learn more?
Schedule an appointment to speak with an MMA professional regarding your individual financial needs.
Questions can be directed to benefits@jhu.edu.
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