Page 94 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2023

HEALTHY LIVING
POSITIVE
PRACTICES
FOR THENew Year story by Luke Height
Goodbye 2022, it’s been real!
Now that we are moving into the new year, it’s always a great time to reflect on the past years’ successes, failures, and seek improvements. Instead of making a lofty resolution this year, instill some positive practices to enhance your overall well-being and make 2023 a year to remember.
Author and psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson says in his book, 12 Rules for Life, “Treat yourself as if you were someone that you are responsible for helping.”
TRY THESE IN
Before choosing the positive practices to undertake for this year, start by having this mindset: When you treat yourself like someone you care about, you’re much more likely to say no to unhealthy food, decide to hit the gym, or take on the practice you intended to, rather than succumb to an unhealthy alternative. Treat yourself how you would treat your child, how you would treat your mother or your animal, and take your health as seriously as you would take theirs. Positive practices like these will help increase your ability to enjoy life with a strong, healthy and capable physical body, as well as a calm mind.
When it comes to picking a practice, there’s a few things to consider. One is self discipline because at some point you’ll be tired or want to quit. Self discipline helps you push through and keep the practice alive instead of falling off and into old, bad habits. Another is finding something you enjoy. Yoga isn’t for everyone, neither is running. Find a practice that you like enough to commit to long term and that brings you joy. Finally, it’s called practice for a reason. Don’t expect to be perfect or even good at your new undertaking. Just show up as a beginner and work to get just 1 percent better every time.
Start a new positive practice for 2023 and become the best version of yourself.
2023
• Yoga
• Martial arts
• Eating whole foods and drinking
plenty of spring water
• Meditation/breathwork
• Walk, jog, or run
• Lift weights/calisthenics
exercises
• Journal
• Read personal development,
business or other books
• Learn a new skill
94 | January 2023 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living