We are just into the second month of the 2012, and any NYRs made back in January are probably sitting on that pile of “stuff to do” and are just not getting done.  Added stress from not enough time and boat-loads of work leads to vices such as too much partying and/or binge eating.   The good news is Spring Break is just around the corner, and summer isn’t too far off either. Although it’s very exciting to start peeling back layers of clothing, for many the thought of slipping into a little less (beach wear) is incredibly daunting, especially for those who have packed on more than enough over the holidays.

There is no rush to be Superman/Superwoman by tomorrow, or even by the time you hit the beach. The only urgency is to get started today!! The idea is to create a healthy practice to live by (for your own happy longevity).  You can do this by incrementally making positive choices and increasing positive changes so that you’ll feel a little healthier day by day.  The process doesn’t need to be extreme- Try to find enjoyment in your routine,  rather than punishing yourself, and you’ll be less likely to quit.

Here are 10 simple habits that will increase your wellbeing without sabotaging your life:

1)    Self love! Think positive thoughts about thyself.  What you believe, you become.

2)    Think healthy for longevity in life not just for looks.

3)    Be patient with your body, you can’t go from looking like Hillary the Hippo to a Victoria Secret model over night, ever!  Quick fixes do not exist!! They guarantee backlashes and disappointment.

4)    Allow yourself to have things you like in moderation. Deprivation ends in over indulgence.

5)    Stop counting calories and beating yourself up for poor decisions.  If you choose to eat it, enjoy it and move on.

6)    Drinking.  Limit yourself to 1 or 2 nights out instead of being the life of the party every night. When you do go out, hold off the sugary cocktails.  Instead drink lighter alcohols, like vodka at 60-70 calories per shot (the lighter it is the less sugar it contains). Avoid carbonated or juice mixers- they add up a lot faster.

7)    Hangover food and French fries.  There is nothing good about them. Instead, reach for a hearty comforting soup, or when snacking reach for celery and carrot sticks, for guilt free munching.  Be prepared! Head to the grocery store for some healthy snacks to keep on hand for late night study sessions, or worse an unconscious drunken food binge.

8)    Make the most of the winter months. It’ll help make the cold a little bit more bearable. You’ll burn a ton of calories and have a ton of fun. Try skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice-skating or hockey and tobogganing.

9)    Sex.  It relieves stress, helps you sleep better, increases self esteem, boosts immunity, increases mood, burns calories and it helps to increase intimacy between you and your partner. *Always practice safe sex*

10) Sleep. It assists the body in metabolizing food, especially carbohydrates, by stabilizing glucose and insulin levels. This prevents excessive storage of fat.  Sleep is also when the body heals itself by renewing and rejuvenating.