What Do You REALLY Want To Change?

The end of the year is a good time to think of what we’d like to change – about ourselves, our relationships with others, our time management … All through the year, I try to tease out these ideas with patients.  Often they mention the things they CAN’T change – not enough time, they don’t have the money, my spouse/kids/friends don’t like that kind of food, etc. But let’s try to focus on just one aspect of one compartment of our lives that we can impact. The success will feel so good. And it has to be something that’s important to you, or this resolution will go the way of many previous ones – gone by January 15th.

Some of our writers were willing to share their personal plans with everyone.

Aruna Nathan, M.D.: As I am getting ready for the new year, I want to continue staying focused with my exercise routine. Many times I feel I’m being selfish taking time to practice yoga, go for a brisk walk or join other classmates in my Zumba class. That’s because there is always so much that needs to be done at work and at home. But taking care of your mind and your body is essential to keep doing what you are doing at home and work for a long time to come. Exercise revitalizes me and makes me feel energized, it also goes hand in hand with choosing meals wisely. I tend to eat healthier when I exercise.

I love mixing up my exercise routine and always enjoy learning something new, and in 2015 that something new will be Tai Chi.

Serrin Gantt, M.D.: My goal is to simplify, reduce household clutter, and give away old clothes. I have always had the practice of getting rid of something comparable to what I get —- buy a pair of shoes, get rid of a pair. Despite this practice, I seem to have 4 closets full, as well as old magazines, books, and papers galore. Perhaps this year it will be a 1 to 2 ratio!

On the health front, my only true vice is my love of sugar. It’s genetic 🙂 I have no helpful tips for our readers, except perhaps to give up sugar in things where you may not notice it – for me that was sugar in cereal, juice, yogurt, sauces, etc. At least that way, you are cutting back to some degree.

Julia Korenman, M.D. : My thoughts are a little more social/emotional than health specific: In light of a significant family loss this past year, I would like to be more in touch with my close family and friends (many of whom do not live nearby) and tell those who are close to me how much they mean to me. For health, I would like to incorporate stretching into my routine, somehow.

Holly Gross, M.D.: One of my plans for 2015 is to hire a scribe so I can get home at a reasonable time to make dinner and be home with my son during his busy junior year. This will allow me to also work out in the evenings via online classes (with our trainer, Ty), and use the elliptical or workout with videos. I have given up on the notion that I will ever wake up early during the week to work out since I have good intentions but it never works out for me!

Thu Tran, M.D.: My plan to be more healthy: No computer use one hour before bed to sleep better,
yoga finally to improve flexibility, minimal red meat, less running to protect joints, but more spinning or other aerobic activities.

And finally – my own goals. Understanding now that lack of sleep doesn’t only lead to fatigue, but it interferes with good decision-making, good moods and may contribute to dementia and other health issues, I’ve already increased to 6 hours per night, and am going to aim for 7 hours. As much as I like to exercise, if I can’t get to sleep early enough, then I won’t exercise the next morning. I also want to re-focus my training on balance and flexibility. Pilates classes are my favorite for these, but I haven’t been able to find Pilates classes that fit into my schedule.  So I recently signed up for online classes with Pilatesology -thanks for the idea, Helen! – unlimited classes for $20/month, any time it’s convenient!

As you can see, some things are universal – too much to do, too little time. So if you’re not exercising, just aim for walking for a few minutes 1 or 2 times a week to start. If you’re not cooking, start buying ingredients and prepare something fun over the weekend. If you’e not happy with your weight, eliminate one significant culprit – bread, pasta, sweets, white stuff (since chocolate isn’t white, it doesn’t count.)

Find some way to change rather than looking at all of the ways you can’t. At the end of a conversation with a patient, they can generally conceptualize one small change. Rarely, when we finish, I have to say, “Well, maybe this isn’t the month – or the year – when these changes are likely to happen”.  Sometimes there’s just too much going on. But almost always, there’s an opportunity to take – just take it!

May you make positive changes to improve your health and create meaningful personal ties in the new year. Enjoy a healthier you for years to come.

We’d love for you to share your goals with us – putting them in writing obliges you to go for it! Happy New Year!