When we return to our routine after the frenzy of the holidays, it’s important to recognize the unique opportunity that a New Year presents: the opportunity for a fresh start.
No matter how many joys or tragedies the previous year held, the start of a new year is a symbolic time of renewal. It is a clean slate upon which we can make more room for positive attitudes and behaviors, while discarding those that drag us down.
New Years Resolutions don’t necessarily do justice to the true potential for change and growth that blossoms in the New Year. Our really big goals — like happiness, peacefulness and self-control — may not be achieved within any one resolution. Nevertheless, these are the worthiest of goals, and they are always within reach.
When we are aligned with our deepest and most fundamental needs, we perform better in all aspects of our lives. When we are physically and emotionally balanced in a way that supports this sense of alignment, we feel at peace with ourselves and the world around us. There are steps we can take to bring ourselves into alignment by focusing on the two major areas of balance that we need to be concerned with on a daily basis — our physical and emotional states.
A balanced emotional state can be supported through a healthy self-concept. Though our self-concept is an often complex mix of thoughts, ideas, beliefs and experiences developed since infancy, a healthy self-concept can be nurtured by simply honoring our strengths, and being honest with ourselves about where we need to grow.
Physical balance requires adjusting our behaviors in such a way that we can enjoy high levels of energy and vibrancy. From morning to night, we have many opportunities to choose the practices and behaviors that will help us live long and healthy lives.
Seven Healthy Habits
Researchers from the Alameda County Study, a study conducted over a period of 20 years, with 8,000 subjects, discovered that there were seven common habits practiced regularly by the people who seemed to be the healthiest, live the longest, and have the fewest sick days per year. Try these yourself:
1. Eat regularly. People who eat irregularly, at different times and in different amounts throughout the day, are more likely to be fatigued and have physical ailments than those who eat on a regular basis.
2. Eat lightly. Avoid foods high in fat, sugar and salt, and incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein into your diet to feel better, sleep better and improve your general state of health.
3. Do not snack between meals. When snacking between meals, the introduction of new food interrupts the ongoing digestive process and leads to drowsiness and improper digestion (read: gas).
4. Do not smoke. Smoking is so detrimental to the entire human system that it alone causes more illnesses than all other environmental or hereditary factors put together.
5. Consume alcohol in moderation. The recommendation is no more than one or two drinks per day; fewer is desirable.
6. Sleep seven to eight hours every night. Getting proper rest is one of the most important things you can do to keep your physical life balanced. If you allow yourself to become over-tired, your immune system breaks down, and you become susceptible to illnesses.
7. Exercise regularly. The rule is, “use it or lose it!” Exercise can have a tremendous impact in helping you to feel better, digest better, sleep better and be a happier more positive person.
Feel free to post your new year’s resolution in the comments — or tell us why you won’t be making any resolutions in 2013. We’d love to hear what YOU have to say!