Friday, January 06, 2012
by guest blogger and fitness expert Kevin Hedley
Well, here we go with a new year and a new start on being a better you. The start of the year is a time to reflect on the successes and accomplishments of the past 12 months and a good time to set new goals going forward. So take a moment and write down what you have done well in the last year and what positive effects these habits have had on your life. Make a commitment to continue these efforts and allow yourself to feel good about what you have done. Here are 5 ideas to consider for 2012 in an effort to help you get moving in the right direction.
It has been well documented that most people function more effectively when getting 8 hours of sleep per night. This sounds like an impossible task for many parents out there but the positive effects of sleep must be a priority. If you are consistently behind in your total amount of sleep, allow yourself a nap or arrange with your spouse/partner to catch up once or twice a week. Many of us also fall into poor nightly habits of too much tv, too much internet and too much busy work when the best choice may be just to go to bed. A well rested person will be more effective; reward yourself by getting more rest.
2. Eats food you like!
Identify the type of foods you enjoy and research healthy food recipes that compliment your tastes. Too often we try to latch on to diets and recipes that don’t compliment our existing food choices and likes. At this point in life we have usually identified foods and habits that we are comfortable with, so making slight modifications and changes to these recipes will set you up for success.
3. Try something new.
With an understanding of your current time demands and commitments pick out a new experience or goal for the year that you can accomplish. Sample ideas may include volunteering a few hours per month, trying 1 new restaurant per month, exploring a new park or trail when exercising, choose a new tv show to watch, pick a new author to read or connect with 1 long distance friend each week. Healthy, positive yet simple changes allow us to get out of our normal routine and to find happiness in new experiences.
4. Be nice to your spouse/partner (this may be the craziest idea yet).
It has also been well documented that most relationships and partnerships thrive when there is an equal distribution of attention flowing in both directions. It is also true that most people will give more back when they have the perception that the other person is giving more. Sit down and discuss your goals, feelings and needs with your partner/spouse and make some quick adjustments to gain some simple wins in your relationship.
If you hate emptying the dishwasher let your partner/spouse know, when you get home and see this has been done without asking for help you will be slightly surprised and appreciative. If you drive your partner/spouse crazy by being late, be on time and early for a month and notice the effect of this change (it is not necessary to point out how you are making such a big effort to change for the other person. Just do it and see how it affects them without drawing attention to yourself).
Too often we don’t share our true feelings and thoughts on some of the most simple tasks and daily responsibilities, this can create tension where there should be none. Getting rid of small issues/peeves can go a long way in keeping you happy and your relationship thriving.
5. Create a set of priorities for your life and live your life based on these priorities.
If losing weight is your top priority this should trump your decision to eat a high fat meal when at a restaurant. If spending more quality time with your family is key this should become more important than some of the routine tasks and busy work in your life. If you align your priorities this will drive your behavior and decision making process.
Break the cycle of sacrificing your true priorities for the sake of convenience or routine! Write your priorities down and keep them close to you as a reminder of what you have selected as the most important things in your life. Making decisions in-line with your priorities will allow you to slowly but surely make some positive gains.
Have a great 2012 and keep moving in the right direction to a better you!
Kevin Hedley
BSc. HK. CSCS, CFA, PFLC
I can be reached at Kevin.hedley@ymail.com for questions, suggestions and encouragement.
