One of my goals for 2017 is to re-engage and re-energize myself in the business side of my business. To accomplish this goal I recently went to an email marketing strategy workshop. The information was fantastic. I realized all of the great things I had to learn. I also left completely overwhelmed. The result….I turtled. I drew up into myself and did nothing with this awesome information for the next two days. Well, today this turtle is coming out of her shell, the only feasible way I know how, with very small sequential steps that break down the overwhelming task into small manageable pieces.
Last week I wrote about why so many New Year’s resolutions fail and I firmly believe we often lose sight of our goals when the over-arching task or goal seems overwhelming but if we all took that attitude nothing would ever get done. It is true that Rome was not built in a day but rather brick by brick.
This concept of taking small steps really resonates with the lifestyle changes we aim to achieve amongst our clients. Often the goal is to become more healthy, eliminate disease, get back to activity after a significant injury, lose weight or just achieve a better version of one’s self but where do you start? The answer is small. Incorporating too much change can lead to failure so choosing one or two small things that can be easily integrated into your life is often a great place to start. Success breeds success. It is also empowering, motivating and leaves you wanting more.
For those of you wanting to make changes to your overall wellness, health or physicality, here are suggestions from our healthcare team for starting small in 2017:
NUTRITION
Eliminate one unhealthy food from your diet i.e. soda, fried food, dessert
Buy a healthy cookbook for inspiration (my favourites right now are Oh She Glows and Against All Grain)
Try one new healthy recipe a week
Investigate healthy meal delivery services
EXERCISE
Take the stairs over the elevator or escalator
Pick a parking spot that is far away from your destination
Enlist a friend to join your on your exercise goals
Commit to 1 workout or 1 new workout a week
Go for a walk
SLEEP
Reduce screen time before bed
Commit to a bedtime throughout the work / school week
Set a bedtime routine that is calming
Consistently get up at the same time every day
MINDFULNESS
Set aside time every week for self reflection or meditation
Learn deep breathing techniques that you can easily do throughout your day
Consider a gratitude journal or daily statement
Spend some time every day without distractions
SELF CARE
Make a date with a friend to reconnect
Book a monthly massage or maintenance with a healthcare practitioner of you choice
Reconnect with your partner
Spend some time stretching, exercising or doing a physical activity you enjoy
Dive into a great book
+Melanie Stevens Sutherland, Clinic Director & Senior Orthopaedic and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Melanie is a graduate of McMaster University and brings 20+ years of experience as a senior physiotherapist to Body Co. She has enjoyed a long tenure working with active populations at prestigious sport medicine clinics. Past clients include Provincial, National and Olympic level athletes as well as members of the National Football League, the Canadian Football League, the Ontario Hockey League, the American Hockey League, the National Lacrosse League and Major League Soccer.
Following the birth of her own children, Melanie developed a strong interest in women’s health. She has taken specialized courses in pelvic floor physiotherapy and women’s nutrition. She is passionate about helping women find strength and confidence in their post-natal bodies following pregnancy and delivery.
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