It's a big year for me, and like other years I've set several goals for myself. My New Year's resolutions in years past have included typical things like exercising more, saving money and eating better. And while these are great goals to have, I aimed to be kinder to myself and more specific with my goals this year. One of my resolutions is to take more pictures, and to create a scrapbook so these pictures don't sit on my camera or phone and get lost.
In the spirit of the the New Year and resolutions, I thought I'd give you 10 resolutions to think about if you're still setting goals for 2014, (or maybe you're already revising the goals you set on the 1st of this month!).
1. Compliment Yourself
I find New Year's resolutions tend to point out what we're not doing right, and that's a negative way to start a new year. Instead of focusing on your imperfections, try to compliment yourself today and everyday this year. When you do something well take a moment a reflect on a job well done. You don't need to make your self compliments public, (but certainly feel free to post to Facebook or Twitter or call a friend if you'd like!). You can simply write them down in a journal or say them out loud to yourself in the mirror.2. Have Gratitude
Start your morning with by being thankful for two or three
things each day. This puts a positive
outlook on your day and focuses you on what is good in your life.
3. Brag about your successes
We were told as children not to be modest with our
accomplishments, but let’s face it, bragging can feel good, especially when you've worked hard at something. So go ahead, let your accomplishments be known
and enjoy your successes!
4. Treat yourself like you would a good friend
Be kind and forgiving to yourself. If you find that you’re
beating yourself up or speaking unkindly to yourself, pause and ask if that is
how you would speak to a good friend. Many times we are so much harsher on
ourselves than we would be with anyone else, and over time this can be
exhausting and counterproductive. Give yourself a break and replace criticism
with self-love and encouragement.
5. Get a skin check
Visit your dermatologist once a year for a comprehensive
skin check. It’s no secret that skin
cancer can affect anyone and that early detection is the key, so this is one
visit you don’t want to skip. Try to make the appointment around a memorable
date each year, like your birthday, so you remember to go.
6. Get a physical
Yearly physicals can help detect potential health problems
early on. Make sure you mention any symptoms you've been experiencing, even if
they seem insignificant. At a physical the doctor can order lab work to
check things like your risk for diabetes, high cholesterol and Vitamin D
levels.
7. Get rid of toxins
Instead resolving to “diet” this year, why not start by looking at cleaning up your current diet and getting rid of toxins. Choosing organic
produce, especially for the “Dirty Dozen” (http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php). Choosing food from this list will cut the amount of pesticides
you’re exposing yourself and your family to. Also look at replacing meat with
organic, grass-fed, or antibiotic free meat. Stay away from packaged foods as much
as possible and focus on whole, real foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
nuts, seeds, bean and organic meat and fish. Also limit condiments and pre-mixed seasonings which can be loaded with salt and artificial ingredients.
Instead add flavor to your meals by mixing spices from your own spice cabinet
and experimenting with simple homemade dressings and sauces.
8. Find exercise you enjoy
The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of about
30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. This can seem like a lot of time,
especially if you’re someone who is always wishing for more hours in a day. If
walking or running on a treadmill is something you dread, make it a point to experiment with different types of exercise to find something you like. Sign
up for a free trial of Pilates or yoga class at your local studio, start a walking
group with neighbors, pull out your bicycle from the garage and ride it around
the block, or find a local indoor pool that offers open swim. Get creative and
try lots of different things until you find something you truly enjoy and look
forward to.
9. Laugh
“Laughter is the best medicine” is something you've probably heard over and over again, but are you doing it? Laughing can reduce stress, relieve depression, boost immunity and make you feel closer to those around you. Allow yourself to let go and enjoy the humor in everyday situations, look at silly photos, or enjoy a few minutes of your favorite comedy. Your body will thank you!10. Be selfish with your time
If you’re constantly rushing around and wishing there were
more hours in a day, resolve to take a look at your commitments this year and
be more selfish with giving away your time. It can be hard to get out of that
“do it all” mentality, but if you’re finding yourself stressed and unable to
make time to do things for yourself (like fitting in that 30 minutes of exercise),
you may need to see where you can scale back. Remember you need to take care of
yourself before you can take care of others.
Good luck and enjoy 2014!
In Health and Happiness,
Colleen
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