It’s day 2 of a new year! As you ponder ways to bring more health and vitality to your life, remember that it’s progress, not perfection that counts. Taking small steps will reap huge rewards!
Here are 10 tips: 
- Chew: Digestion starts in your mouth, so by chewing your food thoroughly, you are optimizing digestion, which decreases bloating and other digestive ailments. Plus, you’ll feel fuller faster, which may reduce overeating.
- Savor (aka become a mindful eater): Live like a European and make eating a sensory experience. Observe the smells, tastes and textures of your food and notice how your body reacts to the foods you eat. You will experience more joy in eating, and may discover food preferences and dislikes you weren’t aware of!
- Meditate: Studies show that meditation is beneficial for, well, almost everything. Sitting and observing your breath for just 10 minutes a day can decrease stress and anxiety and increase focus, concentration and feelings of well-being, among other things.
- Cleanse: We are not only what we eat, but also what we fail to eliminate. Getting rid of toxins through a gentle cleanse will purify you on the inside, leaving you glowing on the outside.
- Dance: You don’t need rhythm or moves to dance. Turn on some music and let your body move however it wants, letting go of any thoughts of doing it well. You will release endorphins through exercise as well as experience feelings of joy by being connected to your body.
- Laugh: Laughter is the best medicine. It increases immunity and releases serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for feelings of optimism and fulfillment. Find something to laugh at–watch a funny movie, hang with an uplifting friend, or laugh at a co-worker’s joke (even if it’s not funny!).
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Each night record 3-5 things that you are grateful for, no matter how big or small. This will help you focus your attention on what’s positive in your life, and result in a sense of abundance. Who doesn’t want more of that?
- Develop a Hobby: Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, cooking, creating art or taking a dance class, engaging in pleasurable pursuits, especially those that challenge you to strengthen or refine your skills, is not only fun, but research shows it can strengthen immunity and memory.
- Decrease Clutter: Our environment affects how we feel and function: a cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind. Simplify by getting rid of old magazines and books, clothes you haven’t worn in a year, etc. Organizing will give you a sense of order and freedom to enjoy everything else in life.
- Stretch: Simple stretches with deep breathing enhances well-being by increasing circulation, oxygenating blood and improving posture, range of motion and mobility. A morning stretch will energize, in the evening will relax, and in the mid-afternoon will remove brain fog sans caffeine!
Here’s to a newer, happier, healthier you!
All useful tips for my new year, thanks. May you feel safe and happy.
Absolutely fascinating and so informative!! I better “catch up” since the New Year is already two months old. I am mind full that I need all the help I can get. Thank you so much.
Keep up the the good work – we’ll all benefit by it!
Thanks, Adrienne! The present moment starts NOW. It’s never too late! Glad you find the information helpful! If you ever want to do a phone or skype session, please let me know!