When you think about this question, you may start listing off subjects related to the weather, politics, or other things outside of yourself. But the real power comes when you internalize it and do some real digging and reflecting. So, how will 2018 be different?
For me, a few things come up. I’m looking forward to making some shifts in my personal space, career, finances, and physical well being. Here are a few goals I’ve got in mind:
- Another round of decluttering our house (including all closets)
- Taking classes to become a certified health coach
- Educating myself on finances and getting a better grip on our monetary reality
- Being (not just feeling) physically stronger—all over
But just writing this list down isn’t going to help me make any of it happen. The path to success is in the details. It’s taking the time to be ultra-specific and then deciding what baby steps will help me achieve my goals. Ask yourself the Who? What? When? Where? and Why? And when you do, don’t let yourself off the hook.
While I’m doing the work on my own list, let’s take a look at some ideas that may at least deserve some consideration on yours. Since we all come to SRP for information on holistic nutrition education, let that be our focus here. However, I still encourage you to evaluate all aspects of your daily life, including career and finances. After all, “The way we do one thing is the way we do everything” (Iyanla Vanzant).
Personal Space
Your home is a place that should make you feel rejuvenated and nourish you on all levels. When you think of your personal space, do you feel like you should make any changes to it in the coming year?
Nontoxic cleaning. It’s definitely worth your time to reduce the amount of chemicals you’re exposed to. That said, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is! by Stephanie Selene Anderson offers great ideas for inexpensive, nontoxic products that you may already have around your house. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda and good ol’ hydrogen peroxide can help you make the shift to nontoxic cleaning with very little effort on your part. But this can also be as easy as searching online for a DIY cleaning recipe. Once you find success the first time, it will be easier to find the next one and the next one (and many of them use similar ingredients).
Sleep. Or maybe you’d benefit from better sleep? That applies to most of us, and some very simple changes could make all the difference. When was the last time you invested in new pillow? Do you have any trouble falling or staying asleep? A good night’s sleep contributes more to your health than most anything, so pay attention to what yours looks like and plan accordingly.
Organization. Perhaps you’d benefit from more organization and planning around your house. You can help get your day going in the direction you want by sticking to a morning routine. And if you need a saving grace to keep you on track with nutrition, look no further than a weekly meal plan. Think about what you and your family can do to make your daily routine run as smooth as possible.
Physical Well Being
This is a big one, and it’s different for all of us. I may need to strengthen my core, but you may need to improve your gut health. Still, when it comes to our physical well being, there are some simple yet key things we should all contemplate.
Water consumption. We all need water. A considerable amount of it. Every day. So ask yourself: are you honestly getting enough water for your lifestyle? Is it good-quality water that provides you with vital minerals and no chlorine? When was the last time you replaced your water bottle? Your water habits play a big role in how you feel each day. Make it a priority.
Fermented foods. By now you must know how essential fermented foods are to optimal health. Our clinical nutritionist reminds me regularly that it only takes ¼ cup serving with each meal to reap the benefits. Easy, right? If you’re a DIYer, you can prepare a batch of fermented green beans in just a few days. Kombucha is a fantastic and delicious way to add some fermentation to your life without even having to chew. Making your own ferments is easier than you might think, but if you need to buy premade in order to get started, there’s no shame in that. Just make sure you’re getting the good stuff at your local market with the Weston A. Price Foundation Shopping Guide.
Physical Activity
We were born to move, people! A sedentary life is an unhealthy one, pure and simple. So pick an activity that gets you moving on a daily basis—and do it. It doesn’t have to be what everyone else is doing. It just has to be something that will keep you coming back to it without effort. If you feel drawn to any physical activities that are out of the ordinary, call around to see if you can observe or participate in a free class or two. This could end up being exactly what your health has been craving.
I’ll ask again: How will 2018 be different? Spend some time answering this question for yourself, and then prepare for the most successful 365 days you’ve ever had. I double dog dare ya! :)
Image from iStock/monkeybusinessimages.
Paula Widish, author of Trophia: Simple Steps to Everyday Self-Health, is a freelance writer and self-healther. She loves nothing more than sharing tidbits of information she discovers with others. (Actually, she loves her family more than that—and probably bacon too.) Paula has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Public Relations and is a Certified Professional Life Coach through International Coach Academy.
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