DURING LATE December and into the beginning of the year, nearly everyone begins to reflect on what they haven't done in the previous 12 months.
"I didn't lose those 20 pounds."
"I only made it to the gym twice this year."
"I never even used that treadmill."
Sound familiar? If so, ditch the negativity and vow to slam-dunk those resolutions this year.
You can do it. You can build the body and the life you always wanted. Just plant the seeds of success in your mind, germinate your desires and watch your dreams blossom into success.
No more excuses. Follow the 12 wellness resolution strategies below and live your best life.
1. Revolt against mediocrity.
Most people fail to realize health and fitness goals for the same reason they fail in other areas in their lives: mediocrity.
Don't settle for mediocrity. Take charge of your life with firm resolve. Set lofty yet attainable health and fitness goals and then raise the bar progressively as you master each task. For example, if you've been walking for 30 minutes, do 45 minutes, or start walking faster or jogging.
2. Hip, hip, hooray!
Celebrate your wins and forget about regrets. Take pleasure in all the victories, big and small.
Progress in fitness and health is like a dance: Take two steps forward and one step back. Give yourself a star and a round of applause for each goal you reach. Don't get derailed if you don't lose 2 pounds every week or if you miss a workout. Just get back on the horse.
Progress happens incrementally, and progress is the reward to those committed to the process. Make progress the goal, not perfection.
3. Embraceable you.
This year, get to know somebody truly extraordinary. YOU! Get clear on who, what and where you are, determine your values and live your dreams.
The body is designed for movement, so a sedentary lifestyle is the enemy. The only way to hurt your body (and mind, too) is not to use it. All of your muscles, bones and tendons need daily exercise.
Need more evidence? Check out the "Body Worlds" exhibit at the Franklin Institute (through April 23; info at
http://sln.fi.edu/bodyworlds/
index.html) and get inspired!
5. Don't major in the minors.
Many people spend far too much energy struggling over inconsequential things. Negative emotions like anger, resentment, jealousy, depression and physical or psychological stress can cause cortisol levels to soar.
Cortisol can stimulate weight gain and increase belly fat, which is linked to preventable diseases such as heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, and stroke.
6. Laugh more.
There's empirical and antidotal evidence that laughter may be the best medicine after all. Did you know that laughter boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, is a natural painkiller and releases endorphins?
7. Play more.
We all need to make time for play in our lives, according to the experts at the Carmel Valley, Calif.-based Institute for Play.
"Without play - without the child that still lives in all of us - we will always be incomplete. And not only physically, but creatively, intellectually and spiritually as well," says Dr. George Sheehan, author of "Running & Being: The Total Experience" ($20, Second Wind II).
8. Love more.
What's love got to do with it? Everything.
"Love and intimacy are the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what causes sadness and what brings happiness, what makes us suffer and what leads to healing," Dr. Dean Ornish writes in his book, "Love & Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy" ($14, Collins).
According to Ornish, "Our survival depends on the healing power of love, intimacy, and relationships."
9. Give more.
Who knew? Helping others is actually good for your health. Volunteering can improve your health, according to Allan Luks, co-author of "The Healing Power of Doing Good" ($18.95, iUniverse).
Luks says that volunteers experience a "helper's high" - and stronger immune systems, too.
10. Be more.
Make a list of 100 things you really want to achieve. Live this year like it's your last. How would you live differently if you knew you only had one year left to live? Your health is your wealth, and life is our most precious gift.
11. Count your blessings.
Maintain an attitude of gratitude and spend time every day reflecting on the good stuff in your life. Take it a step further by keeping a gratitude journal.
12. Pamper yourself.
Once a week, treat yourself to a luxurious bubble bath, a foot massage, or just take a load off and snuggle up with hot cup of relaxing chamomile tea. Mmmm, mmmm, good. *