How To Stay Healthy

Written By: Hope Jennings

Choose one action from the following list for each life category every day. As you do one activity today, and perform the same or a different one tomorrow, you'll eventually work into routines that fit comfortably into your life style.

Improve Your Body

Make your overall goal this year to choose healthy and wise ways every day to take care of your body.

• Exercise aerobically for 30 minutes at least three times a week. Ride a bike, job, jump rope, swim laps or walk briskly.
• Keep 3 pound weights in an easily accessible location. Do bicep curls or carry them while you walk.
• Discreetly tighten and release the muscles on your backside when you're riding an elevator, waiting in the long line or stuck in traffic.
• Read magazine articles or books about diet and nutrition to keep you current.
• Do floor exercises like simple stretching while watching television.
• Exercise with your family in an enjoyable way. Take a bike ride; play a softball game.
• Burn more calories during the day. For instance, walk during lunch of opt for the stairs whenever possible.
• Enroll in a dance class - ballet, tap or jazz. They're social and fun.
• Drink eight glasses of water during the day. When at work, use a favorite glass for water.
• Fill up on complex carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes, peas and grains. You'll feel full without overloading your system with excess calories.
• Eat slowly. Place your fork down between bites. You'll feel full quicker.
• Play calm background music as you eat. Fast food music encourages fast eating.
• Don't keep a supply of your favorite junk foods.
• Keep fresh vegetables cut up in your refrigerator for a quick snack.
• Limit your sugar intake.
• Grab a piece of fruit to satisfy a sweet tooth.
• Don't eat standing up. Sit down, relax and enjoy eating your meal.
• Start a food diary. Keeping track of your calories intake will help you eat less.
• Take only three small bites of a recipe you have to taste in order to session.
• Install a full length mirror in your bedroom or bath. Admire yourself daily, nothing what you like (and don't like) about your looks. Be positive!
• Enlist a friend as a diet buddy. Be mutually accountable about what you eat and how much you exercise. Don't cheat!

Free Your Mind

Make your overall goal this year to become a life-long learner. You'll be more interested to yourself, your husband (if you have one), your kids and your friends.

• Register to take a class at a local community college.
• Expand your vocabulary. Keep a dictionary close at hand to look up a word you don't know when reading.
• Write interesting facts or quotes on index cards. File them by topic for future reference and motivation. 
• Check out a "how-to" video from the library on a subject that interests you.
• Start a reading club. Invite friends to read the same book, then get together once a month over lunch to discuss the story.
• Field trips are not just for kids. Visit a local museum or landmark.
• Attend a lecture with a friend. Discuss or debate the issues raised.
• Make a list of topics and ideas you're interested in. Get it out and act on one when you're feeling bored.

Nurture Your Spirit

Take time to regularly nourish your spirit. When we devote time to developing our spiritual life, other thanks start taking care of themselves. We can understand more fully what we're supposed to do, and miraculously, we have more time and energy to do it.

• Make a list of your 10 best characteristics. Post it and read it often.
• Keep a running list of everything you are thankful for. Add to it often.
• Schedule time during the day to read something inspirational.
• Attend church on a regular basis.
• Begin a spiritual life notebook.
• Relax with music. Music is a language of the soul.
• Learn and practice meditation to give your strength to face challenges.
• Indulge your inner child. Spend time with your children (or your siblings kids) on their level.