I am already in holiday recovery mode, but can’t quite get there 100% because I know New Year’s Eve is right around the corner and I plan on having a fun night with a few indulgences!  But after that, it’s GAME ON!  Bring on 2019!  It’s time to start thinking about resolutions and decide what changes you wish to make for the New Year and beyond.  Here are a few tips that I like to do leading into the New Year:

• Start to wean yourself off of some of the bad habits you created during the holiday season.  UP your water intake (ideal amount is at least half your body weight, in ounces, in water each day.)  UP your intake of greens.  Greens are nature’s Roto-Rooter for your insides.  Adding them to your diet will help your body start to shed some of the unwanted food indulgences and toxins that are being stored from the holidays.
• Rest up and recharge.  The week between Christmas and New Year’s tends to be a great time to recharge your internal battery with some extra sleep and taking time to “just be” in the moment and not rush around so much.  This will help de-stress your mind and prepare you for a great year once the calendar switches past December.  You may also want to try a digital detox for an hour or so each day, just to give yourself a break from the texts, emails and social media distractions that we all need a break from.
• Make a list of your energy drains and gains.  Start with the gains.  These are simple things in your day-to-day life that make you happy and give you energy.  These will be unique to you!  Examples are: having lunch or coffee with a friend, spending time alone, taking a walk, etc.  Then, to further your perspective, move on to your energy drains such as too much TV, fast food, social media, staying up too late, or too much alcohol.  We are all unique, so one person’s gains could be another person’s drains!  Find out what yours are and work from there towards your New Year’s goals.
• Decide what habits you want to tweak going forward.  Write them down and think about how you are going to integrate them into your daily routine.  Make sure you pay special attention to your morning routine – that will start your day on the right note if you get it the way you want it!  You can start your day with prayer, meditation, a walk, moments of gratitude, a hot shower, or just some deep breathing and stretching.
• Once you’ve got your mind wrapped around your energy gains and drains, and have set an intention of habits you want to change, set some boundaries for yourself.  This is work.  Make it a priority, a serious one, like your job or your family.  Think of these boundaries like the lines on a road – the white lines shouldn’t be crossed, and you need to stay focused on the road ahead in order to keep yourself from veering off.  Once you have control, you can add some yellow lines, but while forming new habits, stay within the boundaries you set for yourself.
• Find a movement you enjoy.  Exercise shouldn’t be something you dread.  If you don’t like pumping iron, then find another way to build strength, like yoga or pilates, where you use your own body weight to build strength.  If running 5 miles isn’t your cardio jam, then find something you like that gives you energy like walking in nature, walking the mall, or dancing with friends.  According to Dr. Mark Hyman, the best exercise is the one you’ll do!!!
• Set your SMART goals for the year – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely.  Don’t try to do too much too soon.  Start with one or two goals, and then add more SMART goals once your first round has been accomplished.  It is a better idea to make small changes versus trying to take on too much at one time.  Be patient with yourself… and you will see better results if you keep your SMART goals manageable and stay disciplined throughout the year.  You can do this!!!

If you need help creating your goals and setting a plan, I can help!  Contact me for more info!