New Year, New You?

Happy New Year! Felice Anno Nuovo! Gelukkige Nuwe Jaar! Guten Rutsch! In whichever language is your choice :)

January 1st is infamous for "resolutions" ... resolutions that the majority of the global populous dedicate to changing their health whether it be the simple task of drinking one more bottle of water a month or as complex (or crazy) as losing 100 pounds in 100 days. The majority of these resolutions are not kept for the following reasons: not appropriate for what their body needs, do not have the entire educatory capacity to implement a system that is long lasting and forever, chosen a fad diet/crash diet plan, or have simply jumped into the system of their choosing head first.

We are living in country who's current culture is based upon getting what we want, when we want it and how we want it and most of the time we want it now. Sorry Charlie, that's not going to work when wanting to give yourself a full-body health make over. Think about those who have successfully quited smoking. They weren't the ones who have quit cold-turkey, shocking the body into a nicotine-craving pile of cells, they are the people who dedicated themselves to the hard work and long-time dedication to dropping the habit.

Yes, most of you know that exercise and diet are key to making changes but these aren't the only no-brainer options. The key to a total body makeover is to have 100% health in each of these aspects: Emotions, Biomechanics (Physical), Nutrition. So, let me expand my thoughts.

Contrary to how you've been raised, health is not based upon how YOU feel but upon how your body functions in response to stresses. You may feel fine but your body could be craving something that you're not giving it. The body is an amazingly adaptive machine, the most efficient machine in the world. The body makes adaptations before it sends signals to you in the form of symptoms. The more adaptations your body makes, the further from health it is becoming. In order to regain your health, you must have the aforementioned three areas in the forefront of your mind.

Emotional Health: Your thoughts are controlled by your brain, and your brain runs your body. Control your thoughts and you control your body. That's not to say throw emotions to the trash, it's to say that what and how you think determines what and how your body acts.

Nutritional Health: Many think this is as simple as picking up the next Men's or Women's Health magazine and implementing whatever those nutritionists think into your own daily living, they are experts after all right? Well yes, but they aren't sitting infront of YOU, examining YOU and YOUR body, everyone's bodies are different. I would strongly encourage you to consult a nutrition specialist prior to any health-changing initiatives.

Biomechanic/Physical Health: This is where you can incorporate your exercise routine of choice but this area encompasses so much more! Think of your physical health as a circle. The circle represents your daily movements, such as walking, hugging someone, bending over to pick something up, etc. But what is a circle made up of? Smaller arcs, without these smaller arcs the circle wouldn't exist. The smaller arcs are representative of many things, the bending of your knees while you walk combined with the rotation of your pelvis at the same time, the compensation in your back as you bend over... etc. These smaller arcs have to working and coordinating perfectly for your larger movements to be effective and dare I say it, pain-free. These smaller arcs of movement are the specialty of yes, you've guessed it, your local chiropractor. (No, this whole article is not to solicit your business, promise.)

Now that you know how you can have that brand new you in the brand new year, you must also understand that time is a major factor. Determination and dedication are key! Remember: If it's easy, it's not worth doing :)

Best of luck!