A fresh new year is in front of you, and whether you love or hate the fanfare and the declarations of resolutions, January 1 has passed and every one of us must start by putting one foot in front of the other. So what better place to focus than on the feet? They take us everywhere, and they often take a bit of a beating without so much as a “thank you,” so let’s direct some loving kindness toward them.
With either a yoga mat, folded-up towel, or a carpet beneath you, begin on your hands and knees and tuck your toes under. Unless you’re a seasoned yogi used to working on your feet, go slow. Walk your hands back closer to your knees. This may already be enough of a stretch for your toes and soles of your feet. If not, continue to walk your hands up your thighs until your hips and shoulders are directly over your heels. Take five deep, slow breaths as you feel the stretch from your toes through to your heels. To come out, walk your hands forward down your thighs to the floor, lean forward untucking the toes, placing the tops of your feet flat on the floor and gently sit back on your feet, giving them a delicious counter-stretch. As you do this, listen to your feet and stop where you need to. Don’t overdo it.
With the new year, you may also want to step into some new or healthier eating patterns. When it comes to our diet, making a massive, sweeping change can be difficult to sustain, so begin with the concept of the 80-20 rule. 80 percent of your meals, snacks, and drinks should be fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains like brown rice, millet, or quinoa, lean protein, and some healthy fats from raw, not roasted, nuts and seeds and virgin cold-pressed olive oil. Meanwhile, 20 percent of your diet can be for pure enjoyment. If you know that you’re a bit of junk-food junkie and healthy eating is a very new practice, jumping into 80-20 can be too much of a shock to your system. Start with a 65-35 ratio and work yourself five percent per month toward the 80-20 ratio. Take it one step at a time, one meal at a time.
Until next time, keep it real, and keep it realistic.