| Make this year healthier for your body and mind by adopting a few new healthy habits. They don't require a major change in your lifestyle -- just more attention to life's little details. Soon, you may be surprised by how much healthier you feel.
Breathe. That's right, breathe. Begin by exhaling from your mouth to open up your lungs and provide plenty of room for you to take a deep breath. Then, breathe in. You may want to inhale through your nose, which will also help slow down your breathing. To prevent hyperventilating, take slightly longer to exhale than inhale. This exercise can be done anywhere, anytime, and is especially helpful when you feel stressed. Bet you feel better already.
Smile. Positive emotions can help you feel more creative, healthy and friendly. Remember, the key to unlocking positive emotions is within your control. Take charge with a smile.
Make affirmations. Positive statements you say to yourself -- such as, "Good things are about to happen to me," and "I feel confident and I like myself," -- can influence your perceptions about quality of life. Although affirmations may not change your life instantly, they can improve your outlook when used consistently over time.
Read. Feed your brain soul food by reading inspirational books. Read stories of survival, accounts of people overcoming incredible obstacles or autobiographies about people you admire. Just as exercise rejuvenates your body, inspiring books can offer a nutritious treat for the spirit and help generate positive energy. Pressed for time? Turn off your television and read for 10 minutes before going to sleep. Sweet dreams!
Sleep tight. Getting plenty of quality sleep can help increase your productivity, reduce stress, and ease physical health problems. It can even reduce the likelihood of car accidents.
Brush. Invest in an inexpensive plastic carrying case, a good toothbrush and your favorite toothpaste. Then, brush your teeth in the middle of the day for a refreshing pick-me-up. With today's toothpaste products, you can also improve tartar control, whiten your teeth, decrease plaque buildup, and dispel bad breath. If your work environment isn't conducive to brushing during the day, you may want to chew dental gum or floss your teeth. Remember to follow your dentist's recommendations based on your individual situation.
Play. All work and no play can make can make anyone unhappy. So take a play break during your day. Play the piano. Dance in the living room. Color a picture with your kids. Make a snow angel. Play catch with your dog or hide-and-seek with your cat. Write a silly poem. Make faces in the mirror. Jump on the bed. Be creative!
Find a pen pal. Choose an international pen pal to learn about life in another culture. Write a soldier overseas and express your appreciation. Or, correspond with an elderly person or an out-of-state relative with whom you've lost touch. Through e-mail or paper and pen, having a pen pal is good for the heart and soul. You can make new connections, revive old relationships, and get to know yourself better.
Get moving. Remember that even a little exercise is better than none at all. At work, stretch your arms over your head and extend your legs under the desk. Instead of standing still at the kitchen sink, put on music and move to the beat. Get down on the floor and play with your pets. Show your kids some great dances such as the monkey, twist or hustle. This year, MOVE!
Think music. Music can calm you, uplift you, and keep you company when you've got the blues. Pick an upbeat song to serve as your personal anthem, and dance your way through the coming 12 months with a song in your head and your heart. |
