New Decade Do-Over? Since the New Decade gives us 3,650 days, that’s 3,650 Opportunities for improvement! When you look at time this way, it’s difficult not to be pumped up and optimistic about the future. We’ve all had issues, challenges, and unmet goals in the past. How many times in our lives did we wish we had a do-over? Well, we are officially in 2020, a new decade gives us that chance. Now is the time to wipe away all that guilt, shame, doubt, and fear and start brand new! Let’s get out of our own way and create a decade – 3,650 Brand New Days of positive forward movement!

So, how do we really start? Where do we begin? If you are anything like me, it’s very easy to get caught up feeling overwhelmed. But what’s worked best for me is to break things down into small snippets so the tasks and information are more manageable.

Let’s start with 5 areas where improvement would really make our lives and weight loss efforts a whole lot better.

1. Pay Attention – Do you feel like you are on auto pilot? With schedules, daily routines, and responsibilities, it’s easy to feel like a robot! Start today by being more aware of our actions, behaviors and reactions to our world and surroundings. Even more importantly, pay close attention to that connection between our arm and mouth! (what are we actually eating and how much) Make a conscious effort to be more connected and in the moment throughout the day.
2. Eat Breakfast – For at least 20 years of my life, I skipped breakfast. Every time my doctor, friend or relative mentioned the importance of eating breakfast, I poo-pooed it! Then, about 10 years ago, I decided to give it a try as a last ditch attempt, out of sheer desperation, to try ANYTHING to help me lose weight. At first, I didn’t notice any difference or benefit with my weight loss efforts. But over time, I did notice my level of hunger and overall urge to eat throughout the day had decreased.
3. Drink Water – I was not a water drinker. Growing up, I drank diet soda with the thought that drinking diet soda would help me eat less and eventually lose weight. As I got older, I got fatter and fatter, so this theory flew right out the window with my scale! Believe me, this drinking water thing was foreign to me. I learned two very valuable lessons when I finally kicked my diet soda habit. 1. I WAS THIRSTY! I had NO IDEA that I was thirsty and dehydrated for that matter! 2. I LOST WEIGHT AND MY HUNGER DECREASED! Who Knew! I was amazed by this discovery.
4. “DSE” Repeat after me “DO SOMETHING EVERYDAY!” Do you like Mantras, Jingles, Catchy Phrases that help you remember things? I’m one of those people and hope you are to! Basically, we have to move it to lose it. With our lifestyles so sedentary these days, it’s more important than every make a conscious effort to move! The tricky question is, since we are all so busy, how do we find time to get our move on? The hottest trend out there is to track our daily steps with 10,000 steps being the benchmark. I recommend, in addition to exercise, get up from our desks and walk, do squats at our desk, do stretches, walk the outer aisle of the supermarket or mall once before shopping, etc. You get the gist of this, just MOVE IT!
5. Get More Rest – I am a “Burn The Candle At Both Ends” kind of girl! I don’t want to miss anything! I’m up early and go to bed late. That’s my routine. So, for those of you saying to yourself, yeah right, easier said than done, I’m right along with you. I don’t have issues getting to or staying asleep, but so many of us have serious sleep issues. This is why I didn’t write the word – “sleep”. Although sleep is higher up on the list than rest, our bodies and minds do need to rest. So, begin by trying to find 30 minutes or more each day to just rest and decompress. This would serve you well mentally, emotionally and physically. Look at it as a little gift you give to yourself everyday. Ask yourself, “Aren’t we all worth 30 minutes a day?” Normally at night, I shut down all of my devices, including social media, to just breathe and close my eyes to help my entire body relax. I usually do this right before I get ready to go to sleep. In my house, sometimes, it’s very quiet in the early mornings so I take 15 – 30 minutes to savor the peace and tranquility without the noises of the day, television, social media or my devices. I can say time to rest has really been a game changer for me as I’ve noticed an improvement in my overall stress level and emotions.

If you’re interested in making changes that will stick, the check out my post, 7 Stages of Change for Lasting Results

If you looking to start exercise, check out my post, Exercise – 8 Keys on How To Get Started

From my perspective, one word that really sums it all up is endurance. We need to endure, persevere, and push through difficulty, in order to reach our goals. It’s possible, and by coming together, we all accomplish more.

Be Well!