Friday, December 23, 2011 12:48 PM

2012 is upon us and many of us get caught up in making New Years resolutions that fizzle out even before the end of January. Instead, how about gifting “you” one of these gifts. Focus only on ONE habit that you need to change at a time until that has become engrained into your daily life. 

 

Gift of New Eating Habits: Use the month of January to start new eating habits.  Maybe you want to become vegetarian, vegan or completely raw. Or maybe you just want to eliminate processed foods like; frozen food, chips, soft drinks, candy and essential junk foods.  Another great idea is to start the week going meat free with “Meatless Monday”. Whatever it is commit to this for 30 days straight, who knows you may even end up doing it for a lifetime.

Gift of Exercise:  1^st January make a pact to exercise every day for this month. Each day you exercise, put an X through that day on your calendar. Your job is to not to break the chain. Go for a walk, jog, swim, cycle, gym, and rollerblading anything that get’s you moving for at least 20- 30mins. Or try 10 min increments 3 times a day, especially if you are starting out. The goal is to not break the chain.

Gift of Mindfulness In today’s society it seems if you are not “doing” something all of the time then you are either not accomplishing or you’re just plain lazy! How further from the truth this can be. Mindfulness is being present and is undoubtedly the only way to enjoy life to the fullest. By being mindful, you enjoy your food more, you enjoy friends, and family more by simply “being present in mind.”

Ways to be mindful: Eat slowly and savour your food. Don’t stuff your face without acknowledging the food that is going into your mouth. Savour each bite; slowly, and really get the most out of your food. Interestingly, you’ll eat less this way, and digest your food better as well.

Spend at least 5 minutes each day doing nothing. Just sit in silence. Become aware of your thoughts. Focus on your breathing. Notice the world around you. Become comfortable with the silence and stillness. It’ll do you a world of good — and just takes 5 minutes!

 

I encourage you to start with one of the above this January. As you adopt a new gift, start with another the following month.

If you find yourself wandering off track, don’t beat yourself up — Perfection is unattainable. We should be exercising for health and wellness- not as an obsession. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped the gym for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.

 

May 2012 bring you personal happiness, passion and joy throughout this year.