New Year’s Resolutions: Integrative Health style
Welcome to 2012! Best wishes to all of you resolving to create a new style of health this year. Heaven knows the gluttony of the season pushes most of us into a treat fatigue and lethargy that doesn’t look or feel good. I’m sure I’m not the only one who remembers moments of jamming something in my mouth, hoping no one saw. I always feel by New Year’s Day that I’m disconnected from the nourishment of food and exercise. It’s the novelty and mood-changing abilities that I’ve been after – (ahem) chocolates and wine.
I heard on the radio this morning that 75% of people who made NY resolutions have already thrown in the towel. Still, January is a great month to bring mindfulness to our resolutions, whether we are still actively working with them or not. As you launch into your new plan, spend some time reflecting on the times in your life when you felt vital and connected to abundant energy. How were the circumstances and structures of your life helping you move forward? What was motivating you keep on track? The key to lasting change is identifying what works for you and building on your successes.
Here are a few principles of integrative coaching that can help you through the foundational work of change:
- Mindfulness
Spend some time noticing when you’re making choices that move you towards your resolve and when you’re making choices that move you away from it. Try to adopt a gentle, curious attitude that doesn’t judge. Are there triggers that pull you away from your resolve? The more information you can gather about how the behavior fits in your life, the more power you will have to be creative about changing it.
- Try on gratitude and acceptance for where you are
Gratitude for a difficult situation, emotion or circumstance has always seemed counter-intuitive to me. What is the point of loving something I’m actively trying to change? But the energy devoted to negativity just burns away energy I could be devoting to moving forward.
- Set an intention and then set a goal
Connecting with your intention to feel better can be a very powerful force that keeps you sticking through the ups and downs. An intention relates to how you want to feel and the qualities of your life once you’ve reached your goal. The more you can visualize yourself in success, and make it as real as possible, the easier it will be to cope with the tedious days.
- Experiment, experiment, experiment
Consider taking an experimental approach to your resolution. Change your behavior for one day and see how it feels and how it works in your life. Make notes about what worked and what didn’t. Try a different approach another day. You’ll find what works best for you.
- Smaller healthy choices across different areas can support each other
As you’re focused on change in one area, don’t forget about healthy self-care in other areas. Small changes build on each other without the effort of a full-out attack. Treat yourself to wonderful walks or look up old friends or, more deliciously, take a nap or trade a massage. Consider adding in a feel-good healthy treat every day.
