3 Simple Things for Your New Year

A New Year, a fresh start, opportunities to do and be more of the things we are always dreaming of. It is an amazing energy, but it can also leave us feeling a little overwhelmed and wondering where to begin. As a yoga teacher, I get a lot of questions throughout the year about how to improve one's health, loose weight, sleep better, etc. There are always three things that I suggest people start with, and here they are:

Commit to getting 8 hours sleep every night. Pure and simple. Do whatever it takes to give yourself this gift. Sleep is an amazing tonic for so many maladies. Our bodies and brains need this time for integration and repair, without it we age faster, feel groggy and grumpy, and have trouble getting the most out of life. If you are sleep deprived like most Americans these days, break the cycle! You will be truly amazed what it feels like to be well rested.

Drink 3 litres of pure filtered water a day. For some this may seem impossible, but it is really quite doable with the small investment in a large water bottle that you can keep with you and fill throughout the day. Once your body feels the benefits of adequate hydration it will "ask" for the water and it will become much easier. If your goals this year include weight loss drinking 3 litres of water a day will greatly help you accomplish this goal. Chronic dehydration is often mistaken for real hunger, plus water helps you feel more full between meals, and gets you up from your desk to use the restroom which fuels your metabolism.

Take 7 deep breaths first thing in the morning and last thing at night. As soon as you open your eyes in the morning you can begin. Inhale deeply through your nose allowing your belly to fill with fresh air, then allow the breath to move into your chest, expanding your rib cage to the sides and then forward. As you exhale allow your belly to collapse and the chest to follow. If you have trouble doing this, think about the last time you saw a baby sleeping. This is the natural way that we breathe as babies, but time and stress may train this open, full way of breathing out of our bodies. This is also a beginning mindful breath meditation, so if meditation has ever been something you have been curious about, then you will be well on your way to your own practice.

Make a loving commitment to give these 3 gifts to yourself consistently for 40 days. I promise you it will transform your life in ways you may not think possible.

With loving-kindness,

Teal Marie