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Weekly Wellness News
January 01, 2007
Feature: Resolutions...
Happy New Year!
What would the new year be without resolutions? This is the
one time of year that this e-zine will jump on the bandwagon and help
you in your resolution frenzy. If you are going to make wellness
resolutions, we're here to help out.
First, the rules:
- Only make resolutions you intend to keep.
I know that's what the word 'resolution' means, but few people look at
it with the appropriate gravity. If you won't keep it for at least
three months, don't make it.
- Make your resolutions achievable.
If you have never
exercised before, don't commit to spending two hours at the gym five
days a week. It won't happen. As I've mentioned before, small changes
that you will stick to make far more difference than big changes that
you won't. Pick something that seems easy. The hard part isn't doing
it, it's doing it no matter what. Make sure you will do it no matter
what.
- Write your resolutions down.
Write your commitment down before you make it. Make sure you like what
you are about
to commit to. Then write it every week (or better yet, every day) first
thing in the morning. Remind yourself what you are supposed to be
doing. Strengthen your resolve be recommitting regularly.
- Review regularly to see how you're doing.
By constantly reviewing your progress on your wellness goals, you
strengthen yourself by seeing the progress as it occurs. This, in turn,
helps you to keep doing what you've committed to.
Are you ready? Here are your resolutions for the new year. If
you can
only make one, make the first one. If you can only make two, make the
first two. You get the idea.
- Focus on your breathing. Spend
some time every day breathing deeply, slowly, and from your core. Turn
your attention to your breath as you relax and let the tension run out
your fingers.
- Drink enough water. Every day,
every hour, drink a serving of water. You can also drink other things,
but only after you commit to drinking some water every hour.
- Eat fruit every morning. Start
your day with an orange or some grapes or a banana or ...
- Exercise 3-5 times per week.
Whatever form of movement you like best, do it every other day. Go for
a jog before work or take a walk after dinner. Maybe join a gym if you
like that environment. Or pick one energetic task (like vacuuming the
house) that needs to be done that day. Do something active.
- Be yourself. Find something
you are passionate about and spend some time every week doing it. Let
this be your escape from stress and your opportunity to grow. Read a
book. Paint a picture. Play the tuba. Write a poem. Whatever you like
to do to be creative or escape into your imagination, do it. Let the
inner you, the real you, out to play.
Can you do all five? Can you do at least the first three? Do
what you
can. Commit to it. Now go do it.
From the editor
Today, many of you are shaking off hangovers and trying to
remember what you did last night. Take time to relax and heal yourself
today. Rest. Let the body recover from everything. Start the year well.
Next week we'll return to a more regular format.
Healthy thoughts,
Jeff
Your
feedback
is always welcome!
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Copyright 2006, Jeffrey Eliasen.
Do not reprint without express permission from the author.
Forwarding is permitted if (and only if) the newsletter is
forwarded in its entirety (including this notice).
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