-Deanna Martinez
Take a look in the mirror; the 2012 edition of you is waiting to ring in the New Year. If you, like most of us, are not completely satisfied with the reflection staring back at you, the New Year is a great time to turn over a new leaf and to makes some changes, inside and out.
At least forty-five percent of your fellow Americans will be right there with you, according to a study performed at the University of Scranton in 2002. Researchers John C. Norcross, Marci S. Mrykalo and Mattew D. Blagys found that making a New Year’s Resolution was not simply an empty ritual. In fact, simply resolving to change or improve an aspect of your life increases the likelihood that these personal goals will be met by ten times. Forty-six percent of those individuals who make a New Year’s resolution are still going strong on their resolve six months into the year.
It may come as no surprise that the number one New Year’s Resolution for 2011 was to lose weight. Numbers four and five were also health related, enjoying life to the fullest, and staying fit and healthy, respectively. However, other popular New Year’s Resolutions are to take better care of our bodies and selves and to reduce stress (www.2011resolutions.org).
The best way to help you lose weight, be healthy and fit and to get the most out of life is to integrate exercise into your daily routine. A good place to start is at the gym, where personal trainers can help you design an exercise routine that is ideal for you, your body and lifestyle. For many just getting in the gym can seem like an overwhelming task. The gym with all of its equipment and mirrors can be intimidating. Group fitness classes with strangers, in which you don’t know what to do or how to move, can seem like an overwhelming hurdle. However after getting through the door, many find that the people on the other side are a lot like themselves – seeking a better, healthier life. Many find support and encouragement from trainers and fellow gym-goers. Lifelong friendships forged at the gym and more than one romance has blossomed over the weights, which could help many attain number nine on the top New Year’s Resolutions; to fall in love.
Perhaps 2011 has worn you ragged, the tough economy, long hours at work, the everyday stresses of life have made you feel exhausted and depleted; to resolve to take better care or yourself is a worthy goal. Many can’t remember the last time they had a great haircut or color. Gray hair peeking out, dull, dry skin and broken and unpainted nails tell people that you really don’t care about your appearance – even if you do! Resolve to carve away time for you, to pamper yourself and replenish yourself in the salon with a pedicure or manicure. All of these things can improve your productivity, mood and help you to really live life to the fullest, all the while looking fantastic.
Your physical appearance is only a fraction of your whole. Stress affects your body negatively by reducing your immune system and stealing your mental peace. It can cause physical pain and poses a potential threat to your health. Most people can’t quit their jobs, leave their families or move to a remote island in the South Pacific to escape stress, but you can learn to cope with the stress of life better this year. Exercise is a great stress reducers, simply resolving to get into better physical shape is one way to cut back the stress in your life. However, some forms of exercise can help even more. Yoga, for example is a wonderful way to release stress, refocus the mind and calm the spirit. Massage is another way to find relief from the everyday tensions of life. Creating a regular ritual of massage in your life can help you to cope with life’s stresses. A strong relationship with a massage therapist is incredibly beneficial. As you regularly receive massages, your massage therapist will get to know you, your body and your triggers, enabling him or her to help you truly reach a life with less stress and anxiety.
This year, as you welcome the dawning of a new year, perhaps it is time to celebrate the dawning of a new you at the same time. The Aspen Club & Spa would love to help you reach all of your New Year’s Resolutions. From more exercise, to great beauty care, massage and yoga, The Aspen Club & Spa has the staff, facility and resources to help you find the healthiest, happiest version of you, ever!
