I declare that New Years could be my favorite Holiday. It’s just the realization that today is the first day of the rest of your life.
It’s a great time for reflection of how you can make your life better, not just the next year.
Here are 10 things you should do for the rest of your life.
1. Drink a tall glass of room temperature water when you wake up and before you go to bed.
Water is the original “Miracle Food.” No matter your culture, food preferences, physical condition, or anything else, your body craves water. And no – soda (regular or diet) does not count!
2. Take the stairs and walks.
Often times the stairs will be faster for you anyway!
Walking has been known to help people solve problems, come up with new ideas, and have epiphanies that seem to have come out of nowhere. But they don’t come out of nowhere. They were there all along. Taking a walk just changes the context from ‘inside’ to ‘nature,’ and nature is going to win almost every time. Plus – it’s healthy!
3. Have a moment of thankfulness every day.
Just stop what you are doing for two minutes and think about how fortunate you are. It’s great to do this in a beautiful place, but not necessary. And remember – if you live in a modern, developed country, you are indeed fortunate. If you’re not sure what to think of, try three things you are grateful for. Or say to yourself – “I could have been born in a Sudanese refugee camp, but here I am in central Ohio.”
4. Think of your most unappealing task each day, and do it first.
This is called “Eating The Frog First.” Your day will be so much more relaxing once the most dreaded task is taken care of.
5. Send one email / text / message / call to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Over the course of the year, you could reignite 365 friendships! And in line with “Eating The Frog,” send the first one to a person you are having a difficult relationship or grudge match with. Actually, stop reading this and do that one now. It will change your life!
6. Give away or donate one item from your home every day.
Don’t stop until you feel you are completely free of clutter. Then start again! By the same token, stop accumulating stuff you don’t need!
7. Compliment and / or thank someone every day.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can send us a note to let us know you enjoyed this list! And try not to stop with one – keep doing it all day long. It’s always fun to thank someone who is not expecting it.
8. Improve your sleep quality.
Sleep is extremely important, and most people don’t get enough restful zzzzzs. Avoid caffeine for six hours and alcohol for four hours before bedtime. Alcohol may conk you out, but your sleep will be less restful. Tell your brain what time you need to wake before going to bed and avoid the jarring shock of the alarm. Start the relaxation period well ahead of bedtime.
9. Spend at least fifteen minutes every day reading something that will expand your mind.
Generally speaking, this is not the news, celebrity gossip, business journals, etc…
10. FLOSS!!
Okay – we had to give at least one dental tip. Daily flossing helps to keep your gums free of disease and inflammation, and gum disease is linked to not just tooth loss but heart disease, cancer, diabetes and more. It’s a simple thing that takes just a minute, and you’ll feel so much better for it.
If you’re not sure how to floss (or have any other dental questions) we are here for you! Please give us a call at 1-610-525-5497 and get 2016 started the right way – with healthy teeth and gums, a beautiful smile and fresh breath!