So it’s January again and instead of setting that same “lose weight,” “start exercising” goal, why not choose some New Year’s goals for the soul? With so much negativity in the daily headlines, it is not surprising to see more illness worldwide. Here are some ideas for “soul goals.”
Pay it Forward
Do something nice for someone today to ” pay it forward.” Spreading kindness is healthy as it helps to relieve stress, put a smile on someone’s face, and provide another with an unexpected surprise. Here are a few ideas:
- Buy a coffee for a stranger who is standing in line behind you.
- Pay the toll for the car behind you.
- Offer to let someone ahead of you when you are waiting in line for something (groceries, post office, motor vehicle department)
- Offer to wash your neighbor’s car when you are washing your own car.
Express Gratitude Daily
Those who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to reflect upon things for which they are thankful to experience positive emotions, sleep better, express more kindness, and have stronger immune systems. Research shows that a gratitude journal can significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
When we surround ourselves with positive people, we clear negativity that exists and welcome renewed, uplifting energy. This can enrich our lives and create a supportive, healing space that helps our overall well-being. Reduce time with people who drain your energy and drag you down by constant complaining. Choose your friends with care, creating an environment in which you thrive.
Practice Forgiveness of Self and Others
Forgiveness is the most powerful spiritual tool we have. When you forgive someone, it does not mean that what they did is acceptable; it means that you are releasing that person and no longer allowing him or her to control your feelings or your energy. This helps you live your most peaceful and joyful life. When you learn to forgive, you take an essential step toward better health.
Change Your Perspective to Stay Motivated to Exercise
Instead of seeing your daily exercise as a chore, see it as a blessing. Be grateful for all the different ways to get and stay active nowadays. There is something for everyone. One easy exercise is to take a short “gratitude walk” each day and think about all the things you are grateful for.
Is Weight Loss Your New Year’s Goal?
Many people today are indeed overweight. If weight loss is your goal, start the year by not stepping on the scale for 30 days. Instead, just get into the swing of adding one new health habit at a time. Sometimes, weighing yourself after the holiday season can be discouraging, making getting into shape overwhelming. Here are a few ideas for new health habits; just pick ONE:
- Drink ten ounces of water each day upon rising.
- Reduce your coffee consumption to three days per week, replacing coffee with herbal or green tea.
- Eat one salad per day to increase your intake of vegetables.
- Eliminate grains and starchy carbohydrates for three consecutive days each week. This is a great way to reduce excess water weight.
- Avoid eating after dinner at least three days each week.
- Replace one meal a day with a nutrient-dense smoothie.
Apply Super Bowl Coaching Techniques to Your Own Game
Here are a few tips from Pete Carroll, coach of the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Carroll has employed these three fundamental tenets throughout his coaching career.
- Always be your best. Champions take no aspect of the game for granted and give 110% every time.
- Prepare better than anyone else. “If you do the work, you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life.” –Michael Jordan.
- Cultivate positive energy. Motivate yourself by way of positive reinforcement rather than negativity. Express confidence in yourself.
Lastly, consider a Sanoviv program as a New Year’s goal and an investment in your health.
Sanoviv wishes you a happy and healthy New Year!
