– by Dianne Connerly –
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, February 14th can be an opportunity to renew your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and enhance your well-being. Chocolates and sweets may abound, but this Valentine’s Day, incorporate the following 10 tips for increased peace of mind and tranquility that lasts well beyond Valentine’s Day. You may find yourself with a fuller (and healthier!) heart and without a wider waistline.
1. Realize how great it is that you are one of a kind. Appreciate your voice, vision and uniqueness.
2. Write down the many talents and qualities that you like about yourself. They can be as grand as flying an airplane or as simple as frequently leaving a tip at your local coffee shop.
3. Get enough rest. According to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine, people who sleep less than seven hours per night appear about three times as likely to develop respiratory illnesses as those who sleep eight hours or more.
4. Indulge in a (non-food) treat. Perhaps you always focus on the needs of others without ever doing anything nice for yourself. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat yourself.
5. Take time to write down and examine your goals. Expressing your goals specifically on paper can free and open up possibilities you might never have considered.
6. Remember the special people in your life. February 14th doesn’t have to focus on the love you share with your significant other. Consider family members, friends, and mentors who make your life meaningful the rest of the year.
7. Try something new. Take risks by exploring a new hobby, tackling a home improvement project, or training for a race. Don’t let fear or excuses hold you back.
8. Create a food and exercise/activity plan tailored just for you. There’s no need to hire a trainer or sign up for a pricey gym. Peruse healthy lifestyle magazines for workout tips, meal plans and delicious, low-cal recipes.
9. Count your blessings. Think about what you are thankful for, and record it in a journal each night. The habit of looking on the bright side of each day and being grateful helps create an upbeat attitude.
10. Relax, play, and enjoy life – without guilt. Just as a car’s battery won’t work unendingly without being recharged, remember that everyone needs to give themselves a break occasionally.
Dianne Connerly is with TOPS, a nonprofit, affordable weight loss support and wellness organization. To find a local chapter call 250-743-1851 or visit www.tops.org.
