The Simplest Things
Two days ago the sun was shining and it was 52 degrees; today the view from my window looks like a fluffy, white tempura-battered broccoli forest. I can’t say which I like more-the surprise of an unseasonably warm day or the excuse to wear my favorite wooly hat. Simple things make me happy, and today is a simple day.
January is still with us and even though I’m not one for making resolutions, I admit that there’s something about being so close to the beginning of a new year that I find inspiring. Maybe it’s the sense that there are so many possibilities. Goals have been set and can still be met. My contentment with the simplicity of today reminds me that it’s the simple steps that take us the farthest. Here are a couple to get you on your way…
Drink to your Health
If you’re like most people, you’ve promised yourself that this year you’re going to be healthy. Great idea, albeit a little vague. If you want to be healthy, you have to plan to be healthy. So where do you begin?
Here is a really simple, truly easy first step on the road to good health. Start each day with a glass of water. I start out each morning with a cup of hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This simple action is helpful for digestion and elimination. As an added benefit, I gradually stopped drinking coffee every morning without even realizing it.
In the spirit of keeping things simple, don’t get too concerned with exactly how much water you should be drinking every day, just listen to your body. If you’re feeling hungry, drink a glass of water. Sometimes your body is signaling for water, but you misinterpret the feeling as hunger. Have your water and then wait-that hungry feeling might be satisfied. Also remember that if you’re feeling thirsty, definitely drink some water, because that means you’re already dehydrated. On the other hand,don’t overdo it; don’t drink water simply because you’re trying to get in that eighth glass you heard about. Use the 8-glass rule as a guideline, but learn to listen to your body.
Stay Warm
Can’t seem to get rid of that winter chill? Try this tip for staying warm throughout the day: at the end of your hot morning shower, turn down the water temperature. It might sound a little contradictory to turn on the cold water when your goal is to stay warm, but lowering the temperature-even to a point where you’re still comfortable-closes your pores and helps your body retain heat, thus keeping you warmer.
