appy New Year!
Can you believe we’re nearly through the first week of the new year?
Did you make new year’s resolutions? I don’t really make them so much any more…because I know I’ll break them.
I’ll start out strong and motivated as we all do…
“I’m going to get in shape for real.”
“I’m going to the gym every day.”
“I’m not going to worry.”
I set myself up for goals that are too big and too general.
We don’t live a year at a time, we live a day at a time. This year I’m resolving to meet daily goals.
What can we resolve right now to do to make 2016 a year of promise and improvement, peaceful, prosperous, and more fulfilling?
Here are 3 steps to a healthy you in 2016:
Do a cleanse:
Not the kind you think.
If you’d like to do a physical cleanse and follow a new health regimen, please do. But I’m talking about an emotional cleanse.
What can you remove or limit in your life that has been needlessly causing you stress, anxiety or turmoil?
Is there a person causing drama in your life that’s compelling you to expend precious energy and thought life? Can you talk it out and improve the situation? If you’ve tried that, is the situation at loggerheads and not likely to improve right now?
You don’t necessarily need to simply walk away from someone, especially a close friend or relative. But you can limit the the effect this relationship has on you. Sometimes distance is necessary to maintain your own health. Lay down your boundaries, in love. Value the relationship but give it the time and space you need.
Watch your intake:
Nope. This isn’t about food either, but another type of intake.
It’s about being mindful of what your mind is soaking up: from television, the internet, and other people.
Make your thought life and leisure time count, even if it’s simply counting as time to rest and clear your thoughts. Sure, sometimes all we can bare to watch is a little “The Real Housewives of…” something and escape for a bit. But overall, are you dwelling in gossip? Comparison? Many Facebook posts showcase what appear to be perfect lives, perfect children, perfect marriages, perfect bodies. But that’s not reality. Don’t get caught up in the comparison game.
Fill your mind with goodness: Read scripture. Pick up a really good book. Write a letter to a good friend. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile.
Be present with those most important to you. And…
Exercise Daily:
…your rights, that is.
You have the right to rest, so make sure you set aside some time each day to rest and refresh. It might be ten minutes where you sneak into the bathroom, lock the door, and just have some privacy. But everyone needs it.
You have a right to say “no.” You can’t do everything, as much as we try to. No to toxic relationships. No to too many tasks.
Prioritize. Maybe you can make cookies for the bake sale, but you don’t have time to drive the kids to the movies this week. Perhaps you can create some flyers for the fundraiser, but just can’t make all the PTA meetings.
Do what you can. Don’t commit beyond what’s reasonable.
Physical health goals are always a must. I hope you reach any that you’ve set for yourself for this day and this year. Take care of your mental and emotional well being. The world needs a healthy you, from top to toes.
Be Present,
