By Maggie Richardson

Don’t give me that look! We all make them… and we all break them! But every once and a while, some of us actually succeed and make ourselves very proud. Most recently, I achieved a new year’s resolution that I have been setting for myself for the past 10 years: to stop biting my nails. Hey, better late than never, right?

And if we can do something, anything, to make ourselves lead healthier lives, so be it!

So, in the spirit of the new year, I have adressed a list of the most common health related new year’s resolutions, as well as some reasons why this year should be “the” year! (Just to help you get motivated).

1- Quit smoking: Besides the obvious health reasons, you’ll also save tons of money, enjoy a more restful sleep, have more fun in bed (I’m not referring to the sleep part here, if you know what I mean), have brighter looking teeth, enjoy a heightened sense of taste and smell, be more productive at work, and avoid getting wrinkly fast! Wooooof, now that’s alot of reasons…and I’ve barely gotten started!

2- Loose weight: Now here’s a funny thought – Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average… which means, you have met your New Year’s resolution. That may be the clever opinion of comedian Jay Leno, but something tells me it’s not quite that simple. If you are overweight based on your height and age, and you want to lose weight, then stick to it! Getting to your healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases and other serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, varicose veins, breast, endometrial, prostate, and colon cancers, arthritis, gallbladder disease, rashes and other skin abnormalities such as warts.

3- Get fit: It’s no wonder gyms get a spike in sales in January. This is one of our favorite new year’s resolutions. But most of us get bored and stop going once we’ve lost the few extra pounds put on by Christmas over-indulgance. My only advice here is to remember that the gym is not the only way to stay fit. Try regular sports with friends, yoga, thai chi or even ballroom dancing. Anything that keeps you active, keeps you healthy.

4- Eat healthier: This one is not brain surgery. Don’t waste your time with those “crash” diets. Just throw out the pop, chips, candy and excessive desserts. Stick to the 5 food groups recommended by Health Canada – and remember, coffee and a pack of smokes is NOT a food group!

5- Enjoy life more: Now here is a resolution for your spiritual health. Rekindle past friendships, think positively, choose books instead of TV, build snowmen instead of hibernating, etc. Simply put – If it’s good for your mind, it’s good for your body. Yuuup.

For those of you who will break your new year’s resolutions this year, hey that’s ok, don’t bring yourself down. But for those of you who have the courage and determination to stick it through, kudos to you…please write to us next year and teach us how it’s done!

I will end this blogpost with some words of wisdom from a gal we all know (Oprah Winfrey – not to name names): “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right!”

Maggie Richardson
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- The tea kettle, although up to its neck in hot water, continues to sing.