Healthy resolutions

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Welcome back to our final segment in the healthy holidays series! You are probably gearing up for exciting New Year’s Eve plans coupled with making those infamous New Year’s resolutions. Learn to tango, run a marathon, eat more veggies, exercise daily, do morning meditation, pay off debt, write a novel, lose 30 pounds, find a new job — do any of these sound familiar? I’m serving up tips on ensuring tranquility during the transition from old, less-than-healthy habits to new, ultra-healthy habits. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your “New Year, New You” plan:

» Lessons Learned. Before embarking on your 2008 goals, take a moment to reflect on 2007. What were the highlights? What did you learn? Were there consistent themes? How can you ensure your experiences of 2007 help create a more tranquil 2008?

» Get Set, Go Goals. Start small and be specific. Instead of “I will open up a day spa,” try “I will take a class on starting a business and talk to people in the industry.” Play with categorizing your goals into: home, career, creativity, health, financials, spirituality, education, etc., as there are many facets to your lifestyle. Set an end date — “I will learn to tango by my birthday,” or “I will sign up for a novel-writing class this month and submit a proposal by December.”

» Reward Yourself. Keep yourself motivated with a merit system. When you get that coveted job interview, treat yourself to a trip to an art exhibit, bookstore browsing, or those knee-high faux leather boots you’ve been eyeing. By setting milestones and rewarding yourself for the steps you’re taking to achieve your goals, you’re sure to keep yourself motivated. You’re psyching yourself out — pretty clever!

Omwork

» Practice these tips to ensure your resolutions stick. Post your goals where you can see them regularly. Set an intention each day that aligns with your most important resolution. Tell family and friends about your resolutions — studies show we’re more apt to make goals happen when we write them down and share them with others. Happy healthy and tranquil resolutions. Namaste.

Kimberly Wilson is the founder of Tranquil Space Yoga and Tranquil Space Foundation. Visit kimberlywilson.com.

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