Re-posted from Farmer's Almanac (more here)
Whether you’re in the habit of making New Year’s resolutions or not, consider adding these 12 habits to your daily routine this year for a healthier, happier you!
1. Set your goals for the year and write them down. Have goals for your health, career, family, and include one goal that will force you to stretch beyond your comfort zone. Even if it takes more than a year to accomplish, committing big goals to paper means you’ll be more likely to stay true to your dreams.
2. Exercise on a regular basis. If you can’t fit it in every day, shoot for 30 minutes or more at least three times a week. You can join a gym, buy some exercise equipment, take a dance or martial arts class, start walking with a friend or a pet … It doesn’t matter what you do. Just do it.
3. Eat well. At least three portions a day of fruits and vegetables are a must.
4. Take a nap. Adequate sleep is essential to good health. For most people a solid six to eight hours of sleep every night is ideal. Regular cat naps can also help you feel more rested.
5. Get outdoors. Regardless of the season, go hike, take a walk, jog, bike, canoe – anything done outdoors benefits your health and emotional well-being.
6. Find your passion. When you do something that excites you, it leads to a better quality life. Reading to children, cooking at a shelter, raising money to cure cancer, whatever it is that drives you, pursue it with all of your heart.
7. Forge a strong family. Do things with your family that create lifelong memories. Play with your children or grandchildren, create a movie night, do whatever they enjoy doing, teach them a new skill such as baking or fishing. Whatever you do, do it together.
8. Hug. A few years ago, we had a “Hugs Not Drugs” campaign. It has been proven that people who hug on a regular basis live longer and happier lives. So, add hugging to your must do list for 2012.
9. Invest in good health. Be sure you get an annual physical. If you smoke, quit. Take count of your vital statistics and monitor them. In this case, what you don’t know can hurt you.
10. Take stock of your faith. No matter what you believe in, take some time to reflect on the beliefs and values that give your life meaning. Make sure that the life you’re living aligns with those values, and that you make time for prayer or spirituality, as you define it.
11. Play hard. It’s important to work hard, but playing hard is therapeutic. Whatever way you like to play, be sure you make time for it. Many of my friends are getting on in age but still play in a men’s hockey league. Whether your play includes basketball, baseball, running or more, you’ll never regret time spent playing.
12. Share your love. Before you go to bed, tell your children, grandchildren, spouse, or partner that you love them. The only thing better than saying “I Love You” is hearing it.
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