The New Year is here and we are all trying to be better than we were last year. (Some might even be trying to be naughtier) I always make it my resolution to just work to make this year better than the last. Simple, easy and allows me to focus on growing without being overwhelmed.

In the area of health, I believe we can always be doing more. Something that can help us retain the good health we have or even improve our health. Here is 10 healthy new habits I am trying on for the new year.

1. Breathing – I know we all do it without thinking so why would I focus on this? Well, apparently we are not breathing enough. Or should I say deep enough. There is tons of research out there showing the importance of deep breathing. 10 deep breathes a day can make a world of difference, but of course, more is even better. I am really working on taking the time to deep breathe. It may not be huge change in my life but I can already feel a difference.

2. Frankenstein Walk - I know you so want to see this! My hamstrings are tight. This comes from sitting way too much. I am now adding this simple exercise where I take breaks and stretch my hamstrings. I have been having lower back pain and found out this can come from tight hamstrings! So Frankenstein walk it is!

3. Active Nights – It might sound dirty but I promise it is not. What I find is during my evenings I lay on the couch and watch TV. Reruns of shows I have seen a hundred times. This leads to myself getting bored and when I am bored, I eat. I now make an effort to be active in the evening. Cleaning, dancing, playing wii, going for a walk, etc. As long as I do something and not just veg out. It doesn’t have to be a HUGE workout, just something more than laying around.

4. Relationship Time – Again, not dirty. Having friends, family and love are quite important to your health. It is so easy to get caught up with life to forget about the ones you love. I am making an active effort to keep connected with the important people in my life and making the time to connect with them. It is also a lot of fun!

5. Bigger Breakfast – I love breakfast but I always rush to eat it and try to make it short on busy days. I have made changes so breakfast is the biggest meal. It keeps me going longer in the day and I noticed I feel more awake and I am not dying to eat at lunch or dinner as much as I used to be.

6.  One Day/No Connection – This will rock people’s worlds but I have selected one day a week I will not be connected to email, Facebook, Twitter, cell phone, etc. It is my day to just be. It can all wait until the next day…

7. Trident Cinnamon Gum – This is a fun one. I am now chewing Trident gum after meals to help my teeth. This is supposed to help reduce plaque and it also is to help you eat less calories throughout the day. Plus my breathe is extra clean!

8. Adventure – I told you I eat when I am bored. I always do. (It is important to learn your eating habits. This amazed me when I took the time to noticed when I was eating the most. When I am busy and having fun, I forget all about food.) I have already set up plans to keep Justin and I busy for the year. This not only helps with connections but it helps with my overall health. Less time on the couch. Trust me, it is all not money being spent on activities either…you have to be resourceful! (You know there will be tons of blogs about this activities throughout the year…)

9. Budget – Yes I am using the B word. I have placed Justin and I on a budget. How does this help with health? Well it limits how many times we can eat out. Now we are set up to have to food shop more and make better choices. We are working on making dinners together and saving money. Now if I can just master a wok…

10. Love – I know, here comes the Life Coach Michael talking all about love. I really believe it helps your health when you learn to lead with love. What I mean is use love to determine how you feel about life. I do things I love. I am around people I love. I laugh a lot because I LOVE it. And guess what, I love you a little too. Remember to react with love, respond with love and see the world as a place that loves you back. The more love you give, the more you receive. Yes it sounds silly but give it a go.

I am.

And I am LOVING IT!

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