Today is the first day of 2015 and tradition calls for the making of resolutions. I have found over the years that specific or particular resolutions tend to fall by the wayside unless they are knowingly linked to some bigger basic need. So, I offer 3 worthy considerations to satisfy each of the needs of our Mind, Body and Spirit in this New Year.
Mind
- Read every day. Never be without a book you are reading. Pick up a new one when you are done. Reading is much more cognitively stimulating that watching TV or listening to the radio.
- Keep and write in a journal. Take 5 minutes each night before going to bed to write about one or two highlights of your day, a short reflection, some "aha" moment that presented itself, or something you learned.
- Filter your thoughts and stretch your thinking. Your brain is a muscle that needs good stimulation - be continuously learning and improving. Learning is satisfying. Take up a new and interesting hobby. With time and effort you can learn anything.
Body
- Exercise regularly. Start with something you know you can accomplish regularly, like taking a 30 minute walk every day. Try doing some body resistance exercises (pushups, sit ups, squats) three times a week. Start small and work up as your strength increases. Regular exercise is good for the mind, body and spirit.
- Have enough sleep each day to recreate your mind, body and spirit.
- Eat balanced, moderate and regular meals. Cut out excess sugars, sodas and comfort foods. Include a variety of vegetables in your diet. Try a vegetable and fruit shake with protein powder in the mornings. They are fast and easy to make and energizing. Make water your drink of choice.
Spirit
- Take ten minutes at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day to pray, reflect or meditate. If this is new to you, begin with short inspirational readings, prayers or spiritual reflections written by others.
- Develop the habit of being thankful. Give thanks for being alive, your family, your friends, your job, and for the good you have or have experienced. Share your blessings by supporting a charity or contributing your time to a meaningful cause.
- Your relational interactions can either nourish or sap your spirit. Remember the Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Make amends or say you are sorry when you have done something wrong. Focus on the good in people. Don't sweat the small stuff. Do something for someone very day.
