In my December blog I wrote about REALSITIC New Year’s resolutions. As I was writing my blog I began to think about myself, and my resolution(s). I have had a month to think about it, so here I go.
Before I share with you my resolution(s), I would like to share my definition of “resolution”. Side note: After the Ho Ho OH-Wellness brunch, thanks to a very clever client, we all confirmed that there is “real-time” and then there is “Jesika-time.” So now I will introduce something else, there is a “real-definition” and then there is a “Jesika-definition”! Onward! In my world resolution(s) mean improvement(s). I don’t like to use the word change, as to some, change sounds judgmental, final, and unrealistic. So, as per “Jesika-definition”, here are some things I would like to improve in the New Year:
- I would like to improve my sleep pattern between 7-8 hours per night. Lack of sleep increases the stress hormone called Cortisol. When the Cortisol level is increased, the body stores more visceral fat. The more visceral fat the body stores, the more fat surrounds the heart, which results in an unhealthy heart. I hear this often in people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. “I exercise and eat well. I don’t know why I have so much visceral fat?” My reply is often, “How much do you sleep?” More often than not, the client is deficient in his/her sleep. By the way, I thought by taking “power” naps the Cortisol level is reduced, NOPE…it’s consistent sleep that we need!
- I would like to improve my stretching discipline. Toward the end of the year, I was hearing a lot of unusual sounds coming from my hip (I had a hip Labral tear repair in 2010). After seeing a physical therapist and my surgeon, I was soon reminded that I have to take more time to warm up and stretch. The great news is that my hip is 100% in tact and I have not developed arthritis. My surgeon attributes it to my commitment to fitness.
- I would like to pass the Certified Health Education Specialist exam. Seriously…how many times do I have to take this darn exam? However, I am realistic, I have to improve my brain endurance, just like the way I train my muscles, I have to train my brain. Sigh…
- I would like to improve my knowledge about food addiction. I studied addiction while in school, however I would like to learn more. I have started this path by reading a book called The Hunger Fix, written by Dr. Pamela Peek. It’s a great read!
- And lastly, I would like to improve the SUPER DOOPER HIGH expectations I place on myself. Yes, you heard me…I am way too tough on myself. I need to take a chill pill and let life take its course.
OK, I have it all in writing AND publically posted. YIKES! I invite you to write your improvements for the year and we’ll move ONWARD together.
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” - Dale Carnegie
Best of Health in the New Year,
-Jesika
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