Well, it's now been several month s...

Well, it's now been several month since we made our just discovered Year's resolutions -- how are we doin'? Probably not great, if we're to believe the statistics. perpetually since the Romans made yearly promises of advantageous conduct to the pagan heaven Janus, people have been making -- and breaking -- modern Year's resolutions. Every year, millions of Americans swear that they will: achieve in shape, lose weight, eat better, quit smoking, and wash Uncle Leo's car.

Now while Uncle Leo may acquire his car washed, it's usually the other resolutions that are a little trickier. An industry skilful recently explained it this way: "Resolution-makers oftentimes impose strict and unrealistic standards forward themselves, attempting to make major overhauls, virtually overnight. When they don't adapted these expectations, resolution-makers may become frustrated enough to abandon their goals."

`Small' changes are what's needed

In this springtime period of renewal and rebirth, we can impel forward, focusing on the opportunities we can take advantage of and lifestyle changes we can initiate. The unmet resolutions are unimportant. onward the other hand, our modern more realistic approach to "small," notwithstanding life-improving, changes is worth getting excited about!

`Small Changes = Big Impact'

Patty Andersen-Parrado (BN's Associate Editor/Writer) and I also had overflow to be excited about as we had a lot of tea with Mary Lou Retton, Olympic champion and mother of two

As we sat together in her comfortable suite at the Westin Central Park toward the south hotel, here in Manhattan, all of the qualities which have endeared her to America's heart -- including her warmth, wit, and down-home genuineness -- came within as she took us by means of her real-life approach to setting goals that are actually "do-able."

"Focusing upon simple, realistic steps to improve -- rather than `change' -- your lifestyle can have a significant event on your quality of life," said Mary Lou

6 paces to a happier, healthier life a la Mary Lou

1) Increase your goodnes intake: Rather than sole focusing on what not to eat, focus upon what to eat, including more fruits and vegetables and antioxidant-rich beverages, as it was as tea.

2) gain up & get moving!: "Focus in succession little things you can do while you're public and about," Mary Lou explained. "Take a brisk walk in succession your lunch break; climb stairs instead of taking an elevator; and park your car at the extremity of the parking lot!," instead of jockeying for a flaw three feet from the entrance.

3) Stay forward track with a friend: "Find a companion resolution-maker to guide you along and share in your successes" she said, regardless of to what degree incremental, or "small," each succes may be.

4) Take time to unwind: "Take a extended bubble bath, or curl up with your favorite book" Of course, curling up with your main division in the bubble bath isn't bad, either!

5) memorize a good night's rest: It's impossible to make up for forfeited sleep, and a sleep deficit can weaken our immune rules If you're getting less than your corpse would like (or needs), "take small measures and experience making it to bed a half-hour earlier each night" until you gradually reach the optimal eight hours.

6) Think positive: Remember that real change is a lifelong proces not conducted by clocks striking "12 midnight."

"It's easy to focus forward failure," said Mary Lou, "but congratulating yourself for your successe -- no matter by what mode small -- is a plenteous healthier way to achieve your goals." Treating yourself, or splurging occasionally, isn't thus bad, either. "Treat yourself to a professional manicure, purchase yourself a bouquet of flowers, or head to the movies with a friend. Just stay away from the `buttered' popcorn!"

Do supplys help? "I've always been a firm believer in vitamins and supplements" Mary Lou shared. "I'm religious about taking my complements every day. If I have a hyemal or I'm getting sick, I just up my vitamin C"

"And there was that period of time my coach, Bela Karolyi, had us taking bee pollen" Mary Lou meditateed with a smile on her lips.

About small changes. "I'm a mom now, and I'm a wife now," Mary Lou confided. "I have to do little things, now."

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