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New Year, New You!
by Elisa Klein, 12.29.03
"I was taught to be the change I wanted to see in the world." |
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This year I'm gonna lose 30 pounds, get drafted by the Knicks, win a Grammy...
Does this sound familiar? If you're like millions of other people, each year you make a laundry list of super-ambitious New Year's resolutions that you end up never keeping. In fact, you might not even remember what they were after the clock strikes midnight! So this year, how 'bout making some positive changes that will last a lifetime? It's a new year, and it can be a new and improved you!
Be Good to Yourself!
First things first — take care of you! You've probably heard this before, but you can't be good to others unless you are good to yourself. So start by following some of these simple self-care guidelines:
- De-stress. Stress happens ... especially around the holiday season! But how you handle things when the going gets tough is up to you. This year, learn how to deal with your stress in a healthy way. Go for a walk, take a long hot bath, or vent to a friend. And this year, give yourself permission to chill out!
- Love your body. Too short? Too skinny? Too obsessed with how you look! Focus on your unique physique, not just your flaws! Celebrate all of those curves and angles, and resolve to get comfy with your shape this year.
Be Good to Others!
Ready to spread some holiday cheer and make the world a better place, but don't know where to start? "I was taught to be the change I wanted to see in the world," says 17-year-old Asher. Here's how you can give yourself an "inner beauty" makeover in '04!
- Respect diversity. The world would be one big boring place if we were all the same! Show respect for everyone through your actions and your attitude. And let your friends know that dissing others because they are different simply isn't cool.
- Learn to listen. This is one habit that you want to adopt for good! Become a better friend and family member by doing more listening. Your relationships will get stronger, and you'll find that the rewards are endless!
Be Healthy!
Last, but certainly not least, make a resolution to have healthy habits. There are two serious changes that you can make this year that will keep you healthy for a long time to come:
- Practice safer sex. If you're sexually active, use protection! Wear a condom every time — they block the exchange of bodily fluids and greatly reduce the risk of pregnancy and infection. Start this habit now and make a lifelong, positive change for good health!
- Ditch the smokes. We've said it before and we'll say it again ... smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. And the sooner you quit, the better chance you will have at beating a lifelong addiction. For help with quitting, check out GottaQuit. And if you don't smoke, make it your resolution never to start!
Change is never easy, but you'll probably have better luck sticking to your goals if you share them with someone you trust and admire. "My sister keeps me in check," says Parker, 15. "She reminds me of the promises that I made." Another great way to keep track of your resolutions is to document your progress in a journal. If you slip up, don't give up — focus on the success you've had so far, and pick up where you left off!
Take the time to make some of these lifestyle changes, and it will be a happy new year ... and a happy new you! |
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