by Dr. Marita Schauch, ND, Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre –
It’s easy to dream big, but usually living out our biggest dream reality results from all the little choices we made to get there. This coming new year, I want to highlight small goals in the areas we may feel are deficient or that are needing more care and attention. These small steps will set us up for long-term strides in 2023.
Exercise
One of the most important parts of our well-being is having daily movement practice. Getting regular exercise is good for our heart, blood flow, digestion, mental health and energy levels, and promotes better sleep. Small Goal: Join a class, take a walk, go for a run, add a stretching practice to your day. Pick a physical activity that suits you and your body, and you will reap the rewards of better health.
Nutrition
A well-balanced diet is important in supporting our physical activity. Having proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals will fuel our success in energy, focus, mood, strength and ability to cope with the daily experience of life as it comes our way. Small Goal: Start by incorporating one to two fruits and/or veggies into every meal as well as healthy protein which leads to better health for our hormones, heart, blood sugar, energy, and so much more.
Mind / Spirit
Everyone is different, and there are infinite ways of experiencing our spiritual nature, yet we all have a mind to care for. When the mind is clear, the clearer our perception, emotions and the more we can be present for what truly matters to us. Small Goal: A daily meditation practice. Whether it’s engaging in a silent meditation for five minutes every morning, or listening to a guided meditation on your favourite app, this practice goes a long way with calming the mind and getting the benefits of taking small moments to refresh your mental landscape.
Learning/Development
Much like our body needs activity to stay healthy, so does our mind. When we learn new things, it keeps our brain healthy and also positively impacts aging. Small Goal: Learn something new every day. Watch a documentary, read a blog post, pick up a book and see what new information you can gather. It is helpful to do this during times of the day where you feel bright and clear so that your brain can retain what it learns.
Rest/Relaxation
The daily grind can be cortisol inducing for our brains and stress can really take a toll on health. When we rest, our nervous systems thank us. A healthy nervous system means balanced emotions, calm state of mind, better sleep and better health overall. Small Goal: Take rest seriously. Do one restful activity a day to reset and calm down your nervous system. Take a bath; do breathwork; drink a calming cup of tea. When you prioritize rest, you signal to your mind that it’s safe to slow down and the body reaps the benefits. A Happy and Healthy New Year to you!
