by Cathy Clements, Nutritionist & Life Coach, NASM CNC, CPT, FNS, WFS
It’s almost a New Year and time for a new you! These last two years have been stressful. Whether you were taking care of others or were being taken care of, it’s time for a new start.
So … breathe! Taking deep breaths helps get stress under control; they help us relax a minute so we can think carefully through an issue for a clear answer.
What do you want for 2022? I say a new year, a new you. When we are busy taking care of others, ourselves or being in a situation that stresses us, we forget to take care of ourselves.
It can be small changes to get ourselves on the right path. If the last two years took time away from hiking and moving in beneficial ways, it’s time to get back out there. Small steps can have big rewards.
If your exercise didn’t decrease, then do a little more; have a longer walk or start running. There are now in-person runs and walks such as the Rock ‘n’ Roll running series.
Just need someone to help you eat better? There are many opportunities to have someone help you evaluate your eating, figure out what works best for you and get you back on track.
The hardest, I think, is getting our thinking on the best path. Our bodies remember everything, all the way back. Begin journaling to get your thoughts on paper and out of your head. Putting them on paper can help you get better sleep and lower your stress.
Once things are out of your head and written down, it opens your head to think about the current issues you may need to focus on versus those clouding your head, frustrating you and not allowing clear thinking to get you through the day.
Great pillars of health: movement, mindset, eating well, sleep. For some it is supplementing what we are getting inside our bodies. Only you know what you need the most and what is the hardest for you.
Tackle the hardest one and your confidence in yourself will rise! You are a hero for you. Happy 2022!!!