You read that meme about starting the new year in February because January was the free trial month, right? Since it went viral, it’s safe to say you are not alone. You had the best intentions — heck, you even set goals for the new year — but do you know what? Life happened and your goals didn’t. We are barely into a brand new year, relatively speaking, and the familiar feeling of failure that haunted us in December is already back. The New Year’s resolution post that I wish had gone viral was what best selling author and holistic nutritionist Kelly LeVeque said, “What we do today says a lot more about who we are than what we do Jan. 1.”
If you are feeling down and out because you didn’t do what you hoped you would in January, SO WHAT! Every day is an opportunity to start fresh, to choose a positive perspective and follow through with healthy habits. Every single day. I work with women in the fitness industry, I am raising young women, and doing so has shaped my vision for 2020. Gone are appearance-based goals and the merry-go-round resolutions… no more extreme measures for short-term gain that usually ends in long-term shame when the weight comes back. The magic formula to being healthy and, in turn, happy in your own skin is taking control of your mindset. Only then will a healthy body follow.
Will you join me in breaking the trend of degrading ourselves, especially when it comes to how we look and feel about our bodies? Will you become more obsessed with feeling good than looking good? Will you help model health confidence and a can-do attitude so the next generation will know they hold the key to their health success rather than a juice cleanse or fad diet? Get your new year back on track with this thoughtful guide to health and happiness.
Find movement that makes you feel good. Activate your innate mood-boosting endorphins and get moving. We are so fortunate to have so many options when it comes to exercise. Try a group fitness class, walk your dog, take the stairs, etc. Every step honestly matters. Don’t tell me what you don’t like, just don’t stop until you find a fitness activity you do enjoy. Give it at least a trial period to grow on you. To increase the likelihood that you’ll enjoy exercise, grab a buddy and do it together.
Eat. Think. Repeat. Eat foods that you make you feel energetic, satisfied, and happy when you eat them. Be mindful as you eat. Try different foods and compare them. Sure, ingredients and serving size matter, but too many women immediately worry and obsess over the numbers. Worry is not a healthy mindset. Listen to your body because it has a lot to say about food and will help you choose wisely.
Value every effort. There are pressure and expectation in almost every facet of life to do it all and do it all well. Women are the most susceptible to this pressure. Health and wellness is a lifetime sport, and if you can’t do it all right now, relax! Don’t be so overwhelmed by all the things you can do to improve your health so much that it paralyzes you. Making health a priority is important, but don’t give up if you can’t hit the gym before work, cook organic homemade meals, fold a little laundry, carve out some “me”-ditation, and heck, even squeeze in some sexy time before 10 p.m. so you can get the recommended eight hours of sleep. I mean, do these people really exist? Be proud of what you are able to do for a healthy body when it happens. Let it motivate you to continue to find time for your health.
Remember, every day is a new opportunity, so what are you waiting for?
