My Top 5 Personal Health New Year's Resolutions

My New Years resolution for 2011 was to lose weight. Now I realize that is pretty common, however, it was a big deal for me. I had not thought of myself as big until the family was watching home videos and I saw myself. I thought, "Wow! What happened to me? How did I let myself get that way?" After all, I worked out and ate pretty well. Or so I thought. Since my 2011 resolution came to fruition, I lost 40 pounds, for 2012, my goals will stem from last years resolution.

1. My first goal is to make sure I do not gain the 40 pounds I lost back on. I know that when we are in our 40's, (I am 43,) weight is not as easy to lose, however, I want to make sure I stay within ten pounds of the weight I got to after losing the forty pounds. And a lot of this is mental.
This year I am going to really think before I choose what to eat, how much I eat and when I eat it.

2. My second goal is to exercise correctly. There is a right and wrong way to exercise. Different equipment or classes do different things for different people. Some people need more aerobic activity, others need muscle from weights, and some just need to sweat.
For me personally, I will stick to what worked for me, the rowing machine and the elliptical machine. Between those two machines, and the correct diet, I was able to lose weight, and am able to maintain it. For those looking for a full body workout, besides swimming or an aerobics class, those two are excellent choices.

3. My third goal is to play with the kids more. We would lead a healthier lifestyle if we played with the kids more rather than let the TV or Wii be their babysitter.
I vow to go outside with them when they ask, and I know, I won't all the time, but I am going to try.
Running in the yard, kicking a ball around or playing tag are all good ways for both the kids and parents to exercise and have fun.

4. My fourth goal is to be more tolerant, yell less and be more understanding of the kids. That's a tough one for a lot of parents - and we don't realize how much stress that puts on our bodies. We love our kids, but they do try our patience. And sometimes, I hear myself yelling and think, "They didn't mean to do this" or "It really wasn't that bad" but it is too late for me to stop. Being more patient will be less stressful mentally and physically and will keep an adult healthier.
I am going to try to be a better listener, calmer and more accommodating to my children, full well knowing that we as parents, also make mistakes.

5. My fifth goal is to relax. Many adults have a very hard time doing that whether it be a high-pressure job, busy schedules, lots of kids at home and the like. Relaxing is a necessity in our lives, whether we believe it or not, so taking time to read a book for a half an hour, drinking a cup of tea in the middle of the day, taking a 20 minute power nap or sitting in a hot tub will do wonders for your mind and body.
I will try to take it easy, and take a break when I can, so my body and mind can relax.