Happy New Year! Hello 2013 :)

Happy New Year!!!

Every new year, people set resolutions or goals to fulfill. Some people want to lose weight, workout more, talk to family more, save money, etc. Here is a list of 10 great ideas for New Years resolutions!

1. Drink More Water.
Challenge yourself to drink at least one full glass of water right when you wake up in the morning. If this is easy for you, drink TWO! Throughout the day, drink 6-8 more glasses of water. anywhere from 32-64 ounces is a good goal to shoot for. Add a squeeze of lemon to a glass in the morning to help aid in digestion. 

2. Start Dry Brushing your Skin!
You can get a dry brush at health food stores, pharmacies or beauty stores. Brush the surface of your skin every time before you shower, this naturally detoxes your entire body! This is extremely important. There are chemicals in the dye used for clothing, chemicals in laundry detergent, and in the air. Dry brushing the skin is a very inexpensive way to feel better!

3. Start an Herb Garden!
Growing herbs indoors is so easy! All you need is some pots or a planter box. Make sure to use healthy soil and maybe add some vegan fertilizer (Grow Veganic is a great brand) to the mix. Pick 4-8 of your favorite herbs and grow them yourself! You will taste the difference when you cook with it. It is also very satisfying to eat something you have loved and cared for. Fresh herbs are great for you and will love you right back :)

4. Clean Out the House!
Are you holding onto things that you don't use? Is your closet full of clothes that you don't wear? There are hundreds of people in your local community that could use some extra help. Donate your gently used items to a Salvation Army or Goodwill nearby. Your house will be lighter and so will you! It feels great to empty out the house and help out families that need it.

5. Become an Ingredient Checker!
Do you read the labels of the foods you eat? Sometimes processed foods have an insanely long list of ingredients...ingredients that are not necessary! Choose whole, unprocessed foods. If you are eating something that comes out of a box, the food inside probably has preservatives and additives in it that can cause adverse affects over time. 

Don't Eat Crap!

6. Find Your Fitness Bliss!

For some people, like me, it's yoga. For others, it's running. Try a new fitness class (like a Zumba class or Step class) at your gym or try out a yoga studio by your home or work. Maybe Pilates, dance, or the Bar method is your bliss. You won't know until you try! If you get that euphoric feeling afterward, chances are, you will enjoy the class again! Make a point to attend an exercise class or go for a run at least 3 times a week.

7. Eat Organic!

Eating organic food supports local organic farms. Also, besides being delicious, fruits, vegetables and nuts are so good for you! Try your best to go organic. If you can't afford to go ALL organic, at the very least buy all potatoes, sweet potatoes, and apples organic. Conventional farms use the most amount of pesticides on these three. Try to avoid nuts that come in a can covered in salt. Get your nuts from the Bulk aisle at the grocery store and store them in a glass jar in the fridge for maximum freshness. 

8. Drink Tea!

Are you a coffee drinker? Try switching over to tea a couple of days a week instead. Hot tea aids in digestion and relieves stress. Drink green or chai tea (organic of course) in the morning, and if you need another cup in the evening, choose something without caffeine like chamomile. 

9. Be Yourself!

Be the person that you want to be. Don't be anyone else. We've all spent time trying to live our lives to make someone else happy: maybe our parents or a boyfriend or girlfriend. This will never work! You won't enjoy your life if you are doing it for someone else. It bottles up anger and spite in the heart. Keep your heart open, full of love for yourself!

10. Spread the Love!

Once you learn to love yourself for who you are, spread the love to others! There is nothing greater than loving and being loved. When I talk about Love, I don't just mean romantic Love, I mean Love all together, Love as presence, Love as your core being. When you talk to someone, give them all of your attention and be completely present with them. When helping another that is going through a tough time, show them Love. The power of Love breaks all barriers. Love is the universal language that we all share. If you know how to Love, you can become friends with anyone <3

Namaste,

Mary