DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE:
Mentally Recharge for 2016
by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD
Although anytime is a great time to start a healthy habit, New Year’s makes it even easier. And “healthy” is an all-inclusive term. Health and wellness is a combination of mental/emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. So instead of speaking to the physical aspects of health like food and fitness, we want to share some ways to improve your emotional health. If you’re not in a good place emotionally, your physical habits will follow suit. So start the year by clearing your mind of all the negative, and bring only positive vibes into 2016. Don’t just make 2016 your year, but make every year after that yours as well!
As Elsa says, “Let It Go”
I know, we’re all sick of “Frozen”, but this little Disney anthem can apply to anyone. Whether it was a departure from a job, gym, club or a breakup, let it all go. I know that’s easier said than done. But forgive those who have wronged you, not for them, but for yourself to move forward. You don’t need to bring old grudges into the New Year. Everything happens for a reason. Those chapters are over, turn the page.
Start Saving/Lowering Your Debt
Nothing makes you feel more liberated than not having debt in the back of your mind. Make a plan for yourself to pay off that student loan, credit card and any other debt you may have. Just like health and weight-loss goals, small progress is still progress. You will chisel away at those numbers a little bit at a time, and it will add up. For example, if you have 3 credit cards, set yourself a budget, say $300 just for credit card payments. Pay the minimum on the highest two, then whatever balance is leftover, put towards the card with the lowest balance. Once you’ve paid off that card, which will feel awesome, keep that $300 budget and do the same thing as before with the remaining cards until they’re all paid off. It’s more effective than trying to submit equal payments across all your cards. For more financial advice, check out The Dave Ramsey Show.
Make Yourself a Priority First, Then Everyone Else
For those of you who are parents, this probably sounds like the worst advice ever. But the reality is, if you don’t take care of yourself, how will you take care of others? This was a very crucial piece of advice just recently given to me that I never even thought about. And it makes total sense! Whether you are caring for an older relative or an infant who needs 24-hour care, you need to make sure you take time for yourself to eat healthy, exercise, shower/clean, etc. so that you remain healthy to care for them.
