Lower the resolution bar...

Every New Year I make one or two resolutions.  I try to make them very-doable so I’m successful.  I found some easy suggestions listed below and thought I’d share them with you. With any one of these simple resolutions you could easily get in better shape and slow the aging process THIS year for a younger, more vibrant you. Take a look and see if one or more of these 2012 resolutions might appeal to you.

1.)   Up the Dietary Ante Little By Little -- Completely overhauling your diet all at once is hardly ever manageable unless you’re extremely motivated. For most of us, making small changes, one at a time, is more likely to result in a long-term improvement in our diet. Decide on one improvement you are going to make to your diet in 2012. It could be as simple as adding a daily dark leafy green vegetable, putting the salt shaker away or substituting water or tea for your afternoon soda. I’m going to cut bread out of my dinner menu.

 2.)  Keep in Touch -- Each day, send a note or an e-mail to an old friend you haven't been in contact with for quite a while, just to say, "Hi!, how are you, I'm thinking of you, remember when we...?" By the end of the year you'll have brought a smile to the face of friends, acquaintances and family members.  It is well known that staying socially active is one of the ways to stay youthful. 

3.)  Attempt Something New -- Do something new and different each and every day. It could be as simple as driving a new route to the store, visiting and exploring a new website, or trying a new recipe. On the other hand, it could be something more ambitious, like taking up a new hobby or traveling to a country or state you've never visited. 

4.)  Huff and Puff and ---Decide you are going to enjoy an aerobic activity that gets you out of breath, or at least breathing deeply. During your walk, for example, make sure there is a hill or steps in the middle of your session that makes you huff and puff as you climb. When we perform a physical activity for as little as 10 seconds, it signals the release of human growth hormone (Hgh) from the pituitary gland, Hgh will start the process of repair and regeneration of cells to fight free-radical damage and reverse the general aging of the cells of the body and brain. IMPORTANT: Always check with your health-care professional to make sure it is safe for you to perform strenuous exercise.

5.)   Exercise Your Mind -- Decide that in 2012 you will enjoy a mentally challenging game each day. It could be a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, KenKen or one of several other puzzle choices. If you don't have time to devote to solving one of these time-consuming mental games each day because of your very busy schedule, then take two or more days to complete the game. Just make sure to put in at least five minutes each day in working toward the solution. Your dendrites and axons will thank you with a sharp mind in the decades to come.

 

 There you have it. Five simple steps you can take to make 2012 your best year ever. Any one of these resolutions can be easily achieved -- a resolution you can keep for the whole year for a younger, more vital you. Or maybe you have your own idea of an easy-to-do New Year's Resolution that's just right for you in 2012. Please share your ideas…Happy New Year!