It’s almost the end of January and most
people by now will have “fallen off the wagon” with respect to their New Years
resolutions for 2013. If you fall under this category, do not fret. New
Years resolutions in general rarely stick. Small, gradual lifestyle changes have
been proven to be longer lasting than giant sweeping life-altering resolutions.
The following, however, are 3 changes that
everyone should make for a happier and healthier 2013 and beyond:
(1) Self
compassion and kindness: pay attention to the internal monologue that is
constantly playing in your head – you might be shocked by how harsh
and unforgiving you are with yourself. Embrace imperfection and start practicing self kindness,
compassion and forgiveness.
(2) Become
reacquainted with nature: try a little “forest therapy”. Research shows
that a leisurely forest walk compared with urban walks decreases the stress
hormone cortisol, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and improves mood and
lowers anxiety. Don’t have access to a forest? Just get outside anyway - but leave your cell phone, music
player, heart rate monitor, etc. inside (where we spend most of our days).
(3) Laugh
more: in addition to boosting your immune system, laughter also reduces
stress, stimulates the release of endorphins (the feel good neurotransmitters),
helps relieve pain, and may ease blood pressure. So chuckle it up, it’s good
for you!
Good luck, great health, and happy 2013 from Papillex.
