My New Years Resolutions revolve all around taking good care of my body. That means, they take up a good portion of my 2009 resolutions. As much as I didn't intend it that way, as much does this make total sense. If our body engine isn't running smoothly, all else can fail as far as what we can achieve this year.

So let's take a look at the different areas of Spa and Wellness care:

Stress Management - at home                                                                        

• create a spa environment at home
• get some relaxing home spa tools, like a recliner, aromatherapy diffuser, essential oils
• take a relaxing bath with aromatherapy salts once a week
• when getting home from work, unwind for 15 -20 min., before attending to chores at home
• take a brisk walk after each work day
• guided meditation tapes

at a Spa in your area

• schedule a massage                  □ bi-weekly        □monthly           □quarterly
• schedule acupuncture                □ bi-weekly        □monthly           □quarterly 

Those can help balance, relax and with sleep. Remember how energetic and productive you can be, when not in stress!

Weight Management

Instead of thinking about loosing weight, shift your focus on releasing weight. Embrace common wisdoms such as

• eating 3-5 helpings of vegetables/fruit per day
• eat smaller portions 5 to 6 times a day; avoid the big meals
• make sure there is a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in your diet
• stay away from all Trans Fats
• reduce fried foods
• healthy spa cuisine is all about fresh organic foods from local markets and farmers

Healthy food being bland and boring is a myth and belongs to the past. Plan ahead for the week! Consider, how vibrant and alive you can feel after a healthy meal versus sluggish and tired.

Spa Fitness

• Yoga and Pilates would reside in this category. Classes in both can be scheduled at a spa in your area. Or, you could simply follow a DVD class on TV first thing in the morning, before your day starts, how about 3 mornings a week? That will set the tone for your work day. You will be able to embrace your work routines with new zest and enthusiasm!
• Heat and Cold-water treatments. These are ancient, very easy to do regimens, either at home or at a Spa. They are based on the principle of exposing the body to heat, which will open up the skin's pores. You will then cool off with ice cold water, which closes the pores. When done repeatedly, you'll release toxins in the process. Toxins are stored in the skin, the body's biggest organ. They are also stored in other internal organs and in the muscle tissue. Toxins get released and at the same time the process of heat and cold will make your skin deliciously vibrant via increased circulation. Here is how this works:
• At Home: take a very hot shower for a few minutes, then switch to a cold shower, repeat 3 times
• At a Spa: sit in a Sauna or Steam Room for a few minutes (make sure you are aware how long you can take), then take a cold shower. Repeat 3 times.

Your skin will feel vibrant and healthy, life is good!

Pamper & Feel Good

This is simple. Decide how often you can and will pamper yourself and by what means.

• A massage                                □ bi-weekly        □monthly           □quarterly          □yearly
• A body treatment                       □ bi-weekly        □monthly           □quarterly          □yearly
• A facial                                     □ bi-weekly        □monthly           □quarterly          □yearly
• A manicure/pedicure                  □ bi-weekly        □monthly           □quarterly          □yearly

This category is a gift to yourself. You deserve to be pampered and feel good!

Detox

Did you know that you can detox by simply drinking enough water?

• Plan on drinking at least 32 oz/1liter of water per day. Your kidneys will love it! When drinking liquids, know that teas, herbal teas, coffee, juices, sodas or alcohol do not count!
• Detox by taking a hot bath 1X a  week/or 1X a month
• Detox by getting body mud wrap at a Health Spa or Day Spa
• Detox by drinking hot ginger tea or fennel tea (this does not replace purpose of water)
• Detox by drinking a-b-c fresh juices, abc as in apple, beets & carrots.

I just assume that everybody is naturally resourceful. People decide for themselves what to do. We all have the answers by tuning inside ourselves. We might just need a little inspiration and encouragement.

So, if you look at these 5 areas, ask yourself:

What is standing in your way to take initiative?

How much time can you set aside per day, per week, per month, per quarter?

How would you be feeling, if you took really good care of this precious vessel, your body?

How would other areas of your life be affected, if you implemented some of the steps listed in this article?