Usually this January column is filled with ideas for New Year’s resolutions. Not this year. Perhaps, it is because my mind is on other things this season, perhaps I’m wising up a bit as I get older, or perhaps it is because most of the time, the resolutions are nearly impossible to keep. So why all the fuss each year? It is a time of year when one reflects on the past year and yearns for better things in the New Year. A time for optimism; turning the page for a new beginning and letting go of the past year. A time of hope. Thich Nhat Hanh writes: “Every morning, when we wake up, we have twenty-four brand new hours to live. What a precious gift!” That is true.

So this year, my recommendations include being kinder to yourself when it comes to your health. Do try to exercise five days a week but don’t criticize yourself for missing a day here or there. Sometimes, when clients see me out in the community, I evoke some horrible guilt reaction about exercise because folks often apologize to me for not exercising. No apologies are necessary- life happens! We are human. We tend to be our own toughest critics. The important thing is to keep exercise a regular part of your routine over a lifetime.

No crash diets this year- they rarely are successful long term; you’ll lose weight then gain it back and more. Try eating slowly appreciating each bite of food as it if were your last morsel. Savor the flavor. Over time, you’ll notice you’ll eat less food. Choose and prepare delicious meals so that each meal is a celebration. This is possible with quick meals also. I served my kids a dinner of leftovers in several colorful small dishes to make if fun for them and my eight year old son exclaimed, “This is a feast!” Strive for five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. You will have less room in your belly for junk food and you will feel better.

Wellness and health are a combination of many factors: nutrition, exercise, stress management, emotional health, enjoyment with family and friends and quiet time for yourself. All of these play a role in keeping your body tuned up. Have a wonderful New Year!!