With every new year comes the possibility to reinvent yourself. For many, New Year’s resolutions are pivotal. For many, this means living healthier.
A healthy lifestyle isn’t just about losing weight or getting fit, it’s about taking care of yourself so you can be the amazing person you were meant to be. It’s important to care for all aspects of being, from the physical to the emotional to the spiritual.
Eat
Be sure to choose whole foods. Sure, you can have that candy bar or occasional quick dinner, but try not to make it a habit. You don’t even need to be a great cook. Just get some nice rubs and spices to create simple, tasty dishes. Sprinkle lemon pepper on fish or an herb blend on vegetables.
Breath
A favorite yoga teacher of mine often shares the quote, “Change your breath, change your thinking. Change your thinking, change your life.” I’m not sure where the quote originates from but it concisely expresses what happens when you integrate intentional breathing into your daily routine. This might be a medication practice, a yoga class, or simply spending a few moments every day focusing in on your breathing.
We often take breathing for granted. Take a moment in the middle of your day to pay attention to how you are breathing. Is it shallow or deep, slow or fast, choppy or smooth? What happens if you slow it down, breathe a little deeper with each breath, relax your forehead and jaw, and direct your breath up into your brain while it simultaneously fills your belly.
Try it. Repeat 4,6,8 times. It takes less than five minutes to refresh your mind.
Move
Have a wearable that tracks your steps? Put it on and connect with a friend for some competition and support. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hit your goal each and every day, just keep walking. (Or run if you like).
Did you know a 10 minute walk can boost your mood? Just think what a 10 minute walk in the morning and a 10 minute walk in the evening can do.
Connect
This is often an overlooked aspect of health. It’s important to having meaningful connections with others. This can be family, friends, a group or club you belong to, neighbors. It can be pets or nature.
Try that new recipe and Invite your friends over to taste test.
Join a local club or community center and strike up a conversation with a new friend.
Stand on the earth in your bare feet and feel connected. Bonus: It can help lower blood pressure (for real).
Sleep
Get your quality sleep in. Sleep is important for clarity and calm, even for weight loss.
With a healthy body and mind we are free to explore and discover.
What possibilities await you in the new year?