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> A guide to k< and using US By LISA MOHN Director of Open Door Have you kicked your nicotine habit yet? Dropped those extra nnnnHc vnn aainpH r\\if*r hr\1i_ |/wu> J VV* guiiivu V/ T VI u IV 1JVSJ.A days? Been doing your aerobic exercise three times a week like you planned? If you haven't been quite suc^ cessful with your New Year's Resolutions, you're not alone. National experts report that it's just about this time in January when people start to struggle with the goals they made only scant weeks before. For students, getting back into the swing of school poses an additional challenge to add to all the others that stand in the way of the "new" you. If you haven't achieved your goals for 1992, or haven't even set them, don't despair. Two weeks into the year is certainly not too ^ late to begin. The following guidelines may help you determine reasonable expectations and guide you on how best to achieve what you want. Be clear about what you want to achieve: Some people find it helpful to commit their goals to paper, with specific details of how and when the change will come. For instance, if you want to begin an exercise program, don't only say you'll exercise this week ^ but decide how often and write the times down in your weekly calendar. Respect this time commitment as you would all the other things that have to be done in your week. Ask for support: Having one or more people to support you can spell the difference between success and failure. This support can come in many ways. Just stating your intentions to friends can help you gain commitment for your program. You may want friends to ^ just check in with you on your progress occasionally, or you may need them to be more active in their support, such as sharing a healthy meal or exercising with you. It's important to be specific so the support person knows what will be most helpful to you, not just doing what they think they ought to. Set realistic goals: Perhaps this is the most difficult thing to MOOT? ( (Carolina Ma Hours: 2-9pm Mon.-Si 3-8pm Sunday ? * Mb \ ,=Fi ieping goals >C resources J^jT Health do because most of us want a quick fix. Your body is a finetuned machine that cannot transform itself overnight. When it comes to health behaviors, you're dealing with habits that you may have had for a long period of time. So be gentle with yourself. There's nothing more discouraging than immediate failure, so it's better to achieve gradual successes on which you can build. If you're not sure what is realistic for the change you want to make, read all you can find on the subject or check with an expert. Reward yourself: Most people underestimate the benefits of being rewarded for positive changes. Maybe it's because we feel like we really shouldn't have been doing the unhealthy thing to begin with, so why should we get a pat on the back for not doing it? The problem is that unhealthy behavior, whether a cigarette or a dessert at the end of the cafeteria, is a very immediate temptation. The benefits of how good you'll look and feel are not so immediate. If you reward yourself frequently for healthv choices, vou mav find :r easier to resist the temptation to backslide into old behaviors. Use the resources available to you at USC: There are many places on campus where you can get help with healthy behavior changes. The Open Door drop-in center in the Thomson Student Health Center provides one-on-one consultation on a variety of health issues. The Counseling and Human Development Center offers one-onone counseling as well as classes about reducing stress and other personal development issues. Campus Recreation offers many free exercise classes throughout the week, and the Sol Blatt P.E. Center offers a wealth of facilities for recreation. Good luck, and don't give up! Lisa Mohn is the Director of the Open Door Health and Wellness Programs. x HHiiiiIE ! ON CAMPUS!!! Ot II across form Campus at Rosc k about our Spring Special 10 rentals for $20 Saving up to $10 /Ion. & Tues. 3 for price of 2 /I I fj L_> ocu* last Chanoe,.^ ; he shot h the, 1L. larnet 6c Blaei, tfe fori t miss the Final Pot iitting January 20-24. Drop by anytime from 9an " ? ? Mnti of the Russe ^uruunu 1VAI++* Appointment Necessary. Be a part of the G&B *// you ordered a book last j in Room 312 of the Russell Hi A night of rush! " ^.oIKUl1 ^rr . mm * WhOu^iaMr? I iJr 1^1 w** llBLBHE 1 / CAMPUS!!! Traditions) J o's Offers ^ /. Two Night Rentals & Jj J J CONVENIENCE "H T i / / <%_. T 191-92 \ opbood! < trait 1 i-5pm in the j??? (M 11 House. No I )ear, pick it up ? luse ^ __L__ wJ W: J||gM h, :: ^ v JB trshall/The Gamecock In the misty atm night, Phi Delta The prospective rushees crowd in Sigma Phi a low turnout Monde weather would help Rush. Spring Rush day night, / Jet Down ai Back to Scho hursday, Janu 8pm-mid] Russell House MUS] REFRESHI and MORE I usic provided use ID Req ,r f i Virginia Mi id * unity" ?ol Dance arv 1 fi, 1992 night Ballroom [C VtENTS vIUSIC!!! i Vw wwnpn L K/J T T X 1 V_/ XJL/ uired I mm osphere of Spring Rush Monday ta members (above) socialize with . Left, Brett Sponselier surveys the fj j _? ?- - * ? ?* tpsnon s teni. rraiernmes reporiea ly night, but said they hoped better Tuesday, the last night of Open concludes Wednesday and Thurs* i