Healthy, Happy, Prosperous 2010!

"Wishing all a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!"

You've heard that many times,
each and every New Year,
But let's really break it down here
Happy
Healthy
Prosperous.
How making more ecologically-minded changes can help you achieve better health, more happiness, and save money for the more important things in life!

HAPPY
1 - Laugh!
Yes, it sounds so simple, but how often do we let things get us down? Instead of complaining, criticizing, or defending yourself, make a joke about your short-comings and laugh! Find a way to crack a joke about how your husband never remembers to pick up his socks. Laughter releases endorphins and seratonin which improves your mood, and laughter is contagious afterall! My favorite quote from Patty Smith about what she admired most in her parents' was their "Resiliency, Humor, and Grace". You can even take a Laughter Yoga class for free! - with Dr. Andrew Eingorn on Monday evenings in Manhattan. You will leave relieved and invigorated!
2 - Let the Sunshine in!
Yes, even in these cold, bleek days of winter, try to get at least 15 minutes of direct sunlight each and every day. Humans need vitamin D to enable a positive mood and just 15 minutes of direct sunlight will achieve just that. Whether it's a brisk walk on your lunch break(not through a window or sunglasses). Or start out your Saturday morning with a quick walk with your loved one. If the clouds just won't break, buy sunshine in a lamp! My husband got me the VERILUX6000 for Christmas, and let me tell you, now when the sun goes down at 5pm, instead of slumpling up on the couch and watching TV on the weekends, I turn on my lamp and keep on doing creative work in my home studio. It truly is a beacon of light.
3 - Spread it!
You can't do this alone, spread the love and good cheer with friends, family, loved ones, even your pets! Have afternoon brunch, parties, get the gang together for board games, karaoke, guitar hero, or that end of the week cocktail to say "Cheers" - get it? Cheer - Be Happy - Allow for silly, fun times. There's a reason it's called "Happy Hour" afterall!

HEALTHY
-What is ONE, again, start simple, with ONE eco-logically minded change you can make to achieve better health?
Here's a list to choose from to help you along:
1 - Food! Go organic, Go local - start slowly, it could simply start with your dairy products, milk & eggs. And then your favorite fruits and vegetables. Or simply stop shopping the big mass supermarket, and switch to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.
Shop that local farmer's market, even if it is just once a week. Make your lunch. So simple. So healthy. But there is a balance. You can allow yourself say ONCE a week to go out for a nice lunch-date, with a friend, or touch base with that recruiter so they keep you in mind with new job opportunites.
2 - Clean! Start buying or even better MAKING all natural cleaning products. Just look at my past blog for a plethora of new products cleaning products out there that are safe for you and the environment.
3 - Excersice! Yes, this is usually first on everyone's list. So make it more interesting. Take a martial arts class, or buy a yoga DVD and do it at home and save money instead of going to classes. We all know the benefits, relieving stress, maintaining that target weight, and overall just feeling stronger in body and mind. It is proven that brain functions like memory are improved through actual excercise because of increased circulation and the release of natural endorphins and seratonin.

PROSEROUS
By following the above tips, you will also save money. Instead of buying "junk food", and choosing healthier organic snacks, you won't get those cravings for food that does not truly fill you up, and actually end up saving money in the long run.
By making your own cleaning products, you will save money on those rediculous new and improved products filled with harmful chemicals. By making your own lunch, put that money you're saving into an interest baring savings account like ING direct, and save for that future vacation to a sunny, warm place!

ALSO - Go Easy on Yourself!
What is the ONE THING you cannot give up completely?
Then savor it in moderation. Save it for a "treat" instead of an every day habit. It gives you something to look forward to, and will become a reward in itself.
And again, then you can make the change gradually.
If you give yourself at-home manicures with all natural nail colors, it's OK to go to the salon once a month and have someone pamper you.
You've been a champion of eco-consciousness by brewing your own coffee every morning and bringing it to work in that Kleen Kanteen, so why not go to that gourmet shop every Friday afternoon and have them brew you up a cup and sit and savor it.

Also - Give yourself a check-in point. Say, April 1st when spring is blooming.
Have you stuck to that ONE CHANGE? Are you ready for more?

Remember, it's only benefiting yourself, those you love, and the very planet we call home.

And help spread good health, happiness, and prosperity in 2010 by supporting your friends and family as they pursue their goals, too.

All the best to you in 2010!
Make it the happiest, healthiest, most prosperous year yet!