New Years Resolutions: Little Tricks that make A BIG difference

January 1st, what a special day.  It is a day where we welcome in the new and get rid of the old.  Resolutions are famous to be made this day and next week is even more famous to break them.  Why do we make them?  We want to make changes we really do, but then why don’t we? 

Most people are striving to better themselves and their lives and that is a great goal.  The reason why most resolutions fail is that you reach too far too fast.  If you love sweets and you say,  “ I am going to cut out all sugar starting NOW”, is that realistic for you? Are you setting yourself up for failure by being too hard on yourself? When a resolution seems like a punishment not a reward, you do not want to do it.  The little rebel in you says, “ You cant tell me what to do” and grabs the candy or the latte.  What if you instead tell yourself to educate yourself about sugar and cut back?  The human mind does not like to fail and our fragile ego punishes itself when we fail and we give up.  What if you set little goals and met them instead?  The mind would celebrate your daily victory instead of punishment.  Just a side note, those that want to get off sugar, understanding what it is really doing to you is the best bet.  Don’t try to force yourself not to like it, it works better when you do not want it.  Check out YOUTUBE and the documentary BIG SUGAR.

Let’s start you out by some simple things that will make a big difference in your life.  They are simple, but need consistency and awareness. 

1. Take 3 deep breaths 3 times a day.  What this does is it starts telling the reptilian part of your brain that everything is all right.   This part of your brain is responsible for that fight or flight mechanism. Try it out and tell yourself while you take those three deep breaths that everything is all right.  You are being aware of your mind and your thoughts and programming a sense of wellness and safety instead of doubt and fear.  Your body will thank you for it.
2. Stop complaining.  Once you become aware of how much you are complaining you will understand how your thoughts create your reality.  Most of you reading this will think that you do not complain often at all, and will be surprised how it creeps into your life.  A good idea is to let somebody close to you know you are trying to not complain so they can help you when you slip up.  This does not mean you do not have a right to question or ask for information, but no whining while you do it.  Be fair, be concise and tolerant.
3. When you wake up drink a big glass of cold water.  First your body is dehydrated when it wakes up, and hydration is key to functioning and gives you more energy.  It also flushes out toxins.  When you sleep your body repairs itself and balances out hormones.  The result is some stuff that is no longer needed needs a way to get out of your body.  You will think well as it refuels your brain.  Your brain is 75% water so drinking more feeds it.

I am not asking you to change your world because the calendar flipped over.  All you have to do is breath, stop complaining and drink a glass of water.  You can do that right?  You will live longer, be happier and feel a sense of satisfaction every day.  Being a better you is being kinder to yourself, not punishing yourself.  You can do it.  After all you are awesome already. 

Happy New Year!

Namaste,