The Science of Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution - The Theory of Reasoned Action - Attitudes and Social Pressure
The Theory of Reasoned action proposes that what we do is mainly determined by our intentions which are determined by our attitudes and social pressure. So if you want to give yourself the best chance at exercising more this year, have a look at your attitudes toward exercise. Next look at the people your socialise with. Perhaps you can join a group exercise class or exercise with your friends.
Getting out into Nature
Last week we looked at how to get glimpses of nature indoors. However there is not substitute for actually getting outdoors. Research has found that time in nature and walking in nature can reduce the chance of depression, reduce the chance of high blood pressure, improve mood, improve attention, and relax at night. So why not get out into nature and reap the benefits.
The Science of Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution - You can do it!
Social Cognitive Theory would suggest that our success in our New Year’s Resolutions is largely reliant on our confident we are in doing that particular resolution. If we want to exercise more, we could get a friend to exercise with us giving us social modelling, seeing others successfully going to the gym and getting fitter/stronger (vicarious experience) and getting encouragement from those around us.
Connecting our Outdoors and Indoors – Getting the benefits of the outdoors at home and work
Views of nature can be so good for your health and wellbeing. By blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, incorporating micro-glimpses of nature by maximising existing views and including nature in the workplace and using pictures of nature, we can make the best use of these positive health effects.
The Science of Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution - Behaviour Change Theories
If you are one of the many people who have made a New Year’s Resolution to exercise more, congratulations. This is a great goal for your health and wellbeing. Over the next weeks, we will look through theories of behaviour change. These are theories on how we can overcome the obstacles to behaviour change and achieve a significant change and give you the best chance of sticking with your NY resolution!