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Health & Fitness:
01/15/2008
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Resolutions you can live with
Here we go again! It is that time of year when we contemplate what we would like to change or improve about our lives. Over the last twenty-five or so years my clients have shared what they would like to resolve in their lives for the year ahead. The most common resolutions are: Quit smoking Quit drinking Lose weight Exercise I have broken these down to achievable resolutions. Make a commitment to make one small improvement a week and you won’t recognize yourself this time next year! These are some of my favorite health related resolutions: Quit buying overly packaged items. Believe it or not, you will most likely eat more healthfully. You will also be doing your part to keep our environment healthier. Limit your intake of or cut out junk food. This will also help with the above. When you are in a situation where you are forced to wait and be patient, choose to breathe and relax and let go of stress. You won’t make things move any faster by being all uptight and anxious. Decide to simply “act as though and it shall be.” Think about an exercise program you think you’d enjoy, then every day get dressed in your workout wear at a set time (or if you endeavor to workout at a gym, throw your gear in the car and drive to the gym right after work) even if you don’t exercise! Give yourself three weeks of creating the habit to set time aside for exercise, then, if you haven’t already, do your desired program. Decide to shift your attitude regarding living a healthy lifestyle. Instead of thinking, “I have got to get in shape, but exercise is torture and boring,” think, “I really enjoy bird watching as I walk,” or instead of “I really hate watching what I eat,” how about, “I am not that fond of pizza so I am happy to not waste my precious calories on it tonight.” You will be surprised how a little positive thinking can impact your fitness program. Just look at it from a different perspective. Make your home into an exercise machine. Speed clean your house, garage or yard. Do your laundry or clean out a closet like you have a deadline. Not only will you enjoy the organization and beauty of your home, you will burn calories. Purge your home of old and outdated items from your closets to your cupboards. Having a cleared out home opens you up to new and improved possibilities and your trash can be someone else’s treasures. Take up a new hobby that will take the place of an unhealthy behavior – knit in front of the TV instead of porking out in front of the TV. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss methods for smoking cessation. Realize that giving up tobacco is much easier with guidance, support and resources. If you drink alcohol, resolve to enjoy it moderately. The guidelines for alcohol consumption are arbitrary and variable but if you feel guilt for the amount you drink this is a pretty good indication that you will either need professional help in quitting, or deciding how much is OK so that your body, mind or family are not affected. Decide to make an impact on your community. This doesn’t have to be earth moving and time consuming. You could be the nice guy on the road and let someone cut in front of you, or you could make a point to smile and be gracious to those you are in contact with throughout your day. Treating people with warmth has universal impact not to mention how good it makes you feel about yourself. When in doubt, resolve to drink at least eight cups of water a day…this resolve alone can get the ball rolling to a healthier happier new year. By keeping your resolutions simple and rewarding, you will improve your overall wellness and, when you feel good, this will continue to motivate you to keep your commitment to health forever. My all time favorites are: “Treat others as you would like to be treated (and visa versa)” and “Take time everyday to see the beauty in your life.” WOW, can you imagine how even more beautiful Kenwood would be if we all practiced those last two! Try it, you’ll like it. Debra Devincenzi is a certified fitness and lifestyle trainer. She holds her cardiovascular and strength training program at the Kenwood Depot every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 5:15. She can be reached at 975-2234 or debra@bodeci.com. Visit her website at www.bodeci.com. BODECI is fitness is a Kenwood owned business. Email: debra@bodeci.com |
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