New Year New You?
Do you start every year with lots of good intentions? Me too.
Have you forgotten all your good intentions before the month is out? Me too.
This year try something a little different. Instead of promising big changes try this check list of small adjustments. They’re so simple that you may find they become habits rather than being ditched.
DRINK MORE WATER
I know you hear this all the time but it truly is by far the most important step you can take to stay healthy and look fabulous.
DO WAKE UP & BREATHE! EVERY DAY
It only takes five minutes and is the easiest way to kick start your day and be sure that your body is loosened up and blood is pumping around your system and refreshing all your organs.
DON’T START A DIET
I’m not suggesting you don’t pay some attention to making improvements to your eating habits – there’s always room for improvement, but don’t start the year with a crash diet, you’re more likely to end the year heavier. Plan to change one thing each week or each month.
FLEX YOUR ANKLES AND FEET
Stand upright with your feet about a foot apart (30cm) raise up on your toes and slowly down again. Repeat ten times. You can also do this the opposite way by standing on the bottom stair facing upwards and with your heels over the edge and gently drop and raise your heels ten times. Be sure to hold the banister when you do this if you’re at all unsteady.
GROW AN INCH
Standing up? I bet you’re not. Feel that cord pulling you taller. Be aware of the cord all the time and you’ll feel as if you have grown an inch!
TAP YOUR FACE
Use your first two fingers on each hand to gently but firmly tap all over your face. Don’t worry too much about where you tap as long as you’re careful around the eye area. Quite honestly any tapping will work. It’s a great refresher and does wonders for your complexion, helping to keep lines at bay.
DRINK RED WINE
A glass of red wine or dark grape juice each day could be beneficial. Studies suggest that this may help to reduce the risk of blood clots and lower cholesterol levels.
GET SOME SUN
Virtually the only way we can get the Vitamin D that we need is from sunshine. Make sure that you get outside everyday for at least 15 minutes. It may not look sunny at this time of year but despite the gloom the sun is up there and you can get some benefit.
SEE THE GOOD
It’s all too easy to get down when it’s cold and the days are short but look for the positive signs that are all around you: the first leaves on the trees, the sun peeping from behind a cloud, a waiter serving you with a smile – in amongst all the bad things in our world there is plenty of good, just look and it’ll find you.
You can help to create good for other people too. Even the tiniest gesture could make someone’s day.
SMILE
Numerous studies have shown that smiling can boost your mood even when you’re feeling low and it does the same to anyone who sees you. Put on your smile each morning and keep it on. It’s infectious too so pass it on.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Filed under Barry's Blog, Lifestyle by on Dec 14th, 2009. 
