HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Is it crazy to anyone else that another year has passed and it is 2016?! It is officially the year I graduate college… Okay, moving on.
I always find that the days following Christmas always leave me a bit sad- I’m sure I am not alone in that! The holiday season carries a special feeling in the air. It’s like an imaginary blanket of hope, joy, and childhood nostalgia. But then, I come to terms that a new year is about to begin and a spark of hope of another kind is ignited.
I think it’s important to set goals every new year and even more often. (I think “goal” is more positive than “resolution” and setting goals just sounds more “user friendly,” if you will).
When setting goals for myself, I try to make them positive, specific, but with room to adapt them, and not too many to focus on.
So, what are my goals for 2016, you ask? Most of mine are focused on my health, not surprisingly, since Crohn’s is such a huge part of my life.
Goal #1: Exercise.
This will mainly include walking indoors and doing yoga, for now. Each week may be different because it’s important that I listen to my body. If I can walk and practice yoga, then I will. Other days might be one or the other or something else. But anyway, I want to exercise 3-7 times a week. I know that seems like a big range, but let me break it down…
For the remainder of my winter break, I plan to get some exercise in everyday (I mean, what else do I have to do anyway?) When I am back in school next semester, my goal is to exercise 3 times a week, since I do not want exercising to become a stressor, but a stress-reliever. Some people swear by exercise, and particularly yoga as a crucial component in controlling their Crohn’s Disease. It is one avenue I have not pursued and kept with regularly. I actually started this goal early (December 30). It’s going well so far! 😉
Goal #2: Eating more mindfully.
This means a few things, like chewing my food better. It’s not something I previously thought about, but Jolene Hart brought it to light in her book, Eat Pretty. She explains that, “…chewing each bite twenty to thirty times is what we should practice every day to absorb more nutrients” (169). I did not know that! I also want to work on being more present while I eat. Putting aside technology or not stressing about what is on my to do list. Eating should be about nourishing the body and being grateful for it.
I recommend this book to anyone trying to eat more with the seasons. It is also great for anyone who has been failed by beauty products. You will learn what foods help and hurt your outer beauty!
Goal #3: Make juices and smoothies more.
I love that it is so easy to hide more greens into smoothies and juices, because I certainly do not eat enough. Not only greens, but lots of different veggies can be hidden in a drink without you knowing. (Try it on your friends and family!)
What’s also great about these refreshing drinks is the other nutritious “extras” you can add to them. Hemp powder and melted coconut oil are two “extras” I usually always add in.
In addition, my favorite foods to mix into smoothies and juices are fresh turmeric and ginger roots. Whole Foods always has them and you can buy small pieces at a time, which are inexpensive. I use a small knob of each. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and ginger is known for easing digestion. I don’t love their flavors alone, but they are easily hidden amongst the flavors of fruit! Here is the juicer I use and love.
These are my goals for 2016. There’s a possibility I could add more or alter these, so check back! I’m always interested in what other people are going to work on. Share your goals in the comments!
