How to Make a Better You – Start the New Year Right
by Nina Sabin - Healthy Tip
Do you already have your New Year’s Resolutions written down? Most of us start the New Year with a list of goals we tend to complete in the year. Unfortunately, if you are like me, I start doing the things on the list with such passion, but by the end of January many of the things fall to the wayside. Then, I am hard on myself and feel defeated.
How can we set New Year goals and keep them throughout the year?
First pray for what goals God would like us to accomplish and how to obtain them throughout the year.
Next set a few goals for your mind, body, and spirit. Too many goals especially in one area can be overwhelming. Instead of calling them goals, we will be calling them fitness; as it is a process of getting stronger and better in each area.
Let’s begin with setting our spiritual fitness. We always say mind, body, and spirit third. However, without having your spirit right it is hard to achieve the other two areas. They are all intertwined.
Spiritual Fitness include:
1) Putting God first in all areas of your life.
Matthew 6:31 – 33 (NIV) So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
2) Reading the Word daily and applying it to your life. Set up a reading plan that includes a daily devotional and scripture. The one I find effective and convenient is YouVersion App. It provides many reading plans tailored to your needs that you can read right off your mobile phone. 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
3) Pray and Listen. Pray about everything in your life. Nothing is by chance, God has our life in the palm of His hands, but He wants us to pray (communicate with Him) and listen so we can grow spiritually and have personal relationship with Him. 1 John 5:14 – 15 (NIV) This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.
Body Fitness include:
1) Daily Exercise for at least 20 minutes. This could be walking with a friend after work, going to a yoga class or dance class, a group or individual sport, going to the gym, and/or doing an exercise video at home through YouTube. My favorite exercise channel is Jessica Smith. She provides all types of exercise videos to include cardio, core, toning, and strength training. Jessica also does a great job of modification for many of her exercises.
2) Plan meals ahead of time. Most of us eat healthfully because we don’t have time to make the food and have no idea what to eat. Go online and look for healthy meal choices, then on Sundays plan out your weekly meals. Preparing them ahead of time saves on the stress of trying to find something to eat and choosing healthier options than just eating snacks and fast food.
3) Set aside time each day for yourself. You need daily breaks which include doing something you enjoy, such as: having coffee with a friend, going for a walk, reading a book, swimming, etc. Your body needs some down time from the business of each day. The best option is to take small breaks throughout the day to refuel yourself. Sitting at a computer all day can affect your health especially if you don’t take intermittent breaks.
Mind Fitness include:
1) Keep your thoughts with the right perspective. Be aware of your thoughts and how they affect you.
2) Encourage yourself and think positively. Remind yourself you can do anything you set your mind to.
3) Train yourself to keep a positive attitude. Think of things to be grateful for even in the hardest situations or circumstances.
Remember to Make a Better You – Start Your New Year Right with the strategies listed above. Please remember to leave a post with your thoughts on Health Chat with Nina.
Happy New Year from Focus on Freedoms!!!!