Living Well January 2, 2008

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

By Teresa Griswold

Fresh starts and resolutions
Jackson Hole, Wyoming - You’ve probably said it at least once in your life: “This year I’m going to quit smoking/lose 10 pounds/establish better relationships/(fill in the blank).” As we stand at the dawn of the new year, many feel confident setting solid resolutions with the intention of renewal.

Resolutions really don’t work for me though, especially if I resolve NOT to do something. It seems that the more I resist things, the more I’m drawn to them. So nearly 10 years ago, I began setting a theme for the new year instead of proclaiming a set of specific resolutions. I focused my efforts around positive action to support that theme throughout the year.

One year my theme was “physical fitness.” I ate healthy foods, exercised regularly, climbed two mountain peaks and ended that year strong and lean, which carried over into the next year and the next. Another year, my theme was “spirituality.” I followed God, who led me out of the desert. My faith was strengthened and each day peace, love and joy were enhanced. Essentially, my heart expanded through devotion, prayer and study that carried over into living a more compassionate life.

In 2008, my theme is “unraveling.” What that means for me is that I will seek to live each day fully with promise and giving, transformation and growing, integrity and honesty. Life is a continuous journey, and by “unraveling” each day, I will open to what is next to come.

Take ten
A new health discovery in 2007 revealed that performing a 10-minute workout every single day may be enough to help you avoid doctor’s visits and live a longer, healthier life.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, research showed that among those subjects studied – obese and inactive females – a mere 10 minutes of easy workouts per day (including walking at a speed equivalent to about 2 to 3 miles per hour or riding an exercise bicycle) led to recognized improvements in fitness and a smaller waist size, thereby boosting health and longevity.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Timothy Church, director of the Laboratory of Preventive Medicine Research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University, found that while a little bit of exercise was beneficial, more exercise volleyed cardio-respiratory fitness even higher.

Still, incorporating 10 minutes of exercise into every day adds up to more than three 20 minute workouts per week, which means 10 minutes of activity every day for a year can lead to a five-pound weight loss. So take 10 minutes for better health.

Happy, Healthy New Year
Since happiness hinges on health, this new year I send a wish to everyone that all will be motivated to modify their lifestyles to nourish their body, minds and spirits, contributing to better health.

May you engage in enriching and satisfying activities, find balance in all your endeavors, and share with others compassion, kindness and caring. As you seek out new adventures and a life lived with courage, focus and intent, may opportunities for growth enhance all your experiences. And at any given moment may you remember to say “thank you” to your creator, your friend, a family member, a stranger or yourself. In 2008, let’s make the world a better place by becoming healthier and happier.

In summary, I offer you this thought from Albert Einstein: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”
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Living Well January 2, 2008 | Planet JH News Article: Living Well

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