In 2018, choose you (at least some of the time)

With a busy life full of competing demands for your time, sometimes it can be hard to spend it on yourself. It’s important, though, that time just for you. So we asked some local wellness practitioners for their advice on being kind to yourself this coming year, no matter where you find yourself. (With thanks to Kelly Hammond, Jewel Nurse-Hutchins, Karen Patterson, and Leslie Tempest for their contributions.)

Get 2018 off to a great start

Now that you have celebrated and enjoyed the holidays it is time to get your New Year off to a great start, says Leslie Tempest at ProActive Rehab, by resolving to look after yourself just a little bit better than you have before:

There are lots of things out there that can help in that regard but we at ProActive Rehab would like to remind you of the Five Pillars of Wellness. These five important pieces of your life puzzle have been shown to be key to health, wellness and longevity. Making the commitment and taking the time to practice each one, every day, will pay dividends in the years to come.

1. Get at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least five days per week.
2. Eat a wholesome diet of real food that is balanced nutritionally and includes lots of colourful veggies and fruit.
3. Do something to “evoke the relaxation response” every day. For example, yoga, meditation, mindfulness activities, and slow, effective, deep calming breaths.
4. Maintain good and active social connections.
5. BELIEVE you can be well!

These five pillars will serve you well and are relatively simple to incorporate into every day living. I would argue that number five is perhaps the most important because without belief that it is worth your time to pursue these five pillars and that they will make a difference, it is not likely that they will be achieved! So, with that, we wish you a very happy and healthy new year and the best of luck in your pursuit of wellness!

Live a fulfilled life

One of the keys to feeling fulfilled is being true to yourself, says Karen Patterson of Muskoka Family Works:

1. 

   Be self-full. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first and ask for what you need.

2. Be realistic in your relationships. Don’t rely on others to make you feel fulfilled. Instead, embrace your life and make your own happiness.
3. Dream big dreams. Live life at the edge of your comfort zone. The greatest learning happens when we push ourselves to venture into new experiences.
4. Breathe kindness. Be kind to yourself. Be your own best friend. Be kind to others. We can get a great amount of freedom when we’re able to forgive (ourselves and others).
5. Get rid of “the shoulds”. Stop worrying about what the world says you can or cannot do. Be authentic and true to yourself.

Nurture your relationship with yourself

Buti Yoga Muskoka instructor, Jewel Nurse-Hutchins, wants to know how you will manage the most important relationship you have this this year:

Will you buy that special someone a really expensive gift? Or take them on the vacation of a lifetime?

Well, I urge you to look in the mirror and tell that person you LOVE them. That’s right! The most important relationship you have is with YOURSELF. Just like we take the time to nurture our relationships with the people around us, we need to ENJOY the company we keep with OURSELVES.

All other relationships will be a reflection of how you feel, see, talk, and think about yourself. So taking time for your self care is ALWAYS important.

Self care isn’t selfish. Sustaining yourself with healthy practices INSPIRES others to take care of themselves!

You teach others with your choices. You set an example for the ones you love.

You may enjoy being social attending group events or spending alone time in silent meditation, but finding a way to nurture the person within the personality is key. Find something you love to do, that you’re passionate about, and go for it!

Make 2018 a year that you CHOOSE to CREATE the world you want to live in. With these simple tips below may you find health, happiness, peace, love and contentment for years to come. Bless you all!

• Believe in yourself — be the example
• Volunteer your time — be kind to others
• Try something that scares you — be courageous
• Ask for help — be vulnerable, you’ll find strength there
• Own your story, foster your future — share who you are

Think compromise not deprivation

Over-consumption through the holidays can turn into not-so-healthy habits that last the whole year. The average person will gain seven to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. But that doesn’t mean you have to deprive your taste buds during what’s left of the holiday season and beyond. Instead, make a few compromises and better choices for a healthier you, says Kelly Hammond of Om Health and Wellness:

• Plan ahead. Eat lighter meals on the days you have a special event to attend. Don’t skip breakfast or lunch to make up for the calories you think you’ll consume later. You will eat too fast and too much.
• Snack on fruits and vegetables first. Having a small salad filled with antioxidants and fibre is a great way to help with hunger.
• Watch your portions. Forget the seconds and save room for a little dessert. Just say, “No, thank you!”
• Look for foods high in fibre and fats to keep you satiated longer.
• On average, it takes your stomach 20 minutes to produce hormones that tell your brain you’re full. So eat slowly and you’ll feel full faster with less food.
• Stay hydrated with the legendary H2O. Limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Keep moving. Take your family or dog for a nice brisk walk before or after dinner, and look for other ways to keep active.

Here’s to a healthy, happy and content 2018 for all!

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