Have a Better Year in 2011 With Simple Changes

Sometime it feels like if only EVERYTHING would change life would be better, but most of the time it is just simple, little things that need to change. i believe that by making simple changes, and staying consistent with them, life can get remarkably better! Yes, there are also times when big changes need to be made, but for the most part those BIG changes can be broken into simple, small steps.
One of the most important of the changes that I am making to have a better, healthier 2011 is being better hydrated. By drinking the recommended amounts of water each day, I feel better and have more energy, have healthier skin and hair, and don't want to eat as much! I have also started drinking more juices and less soda. I prefer juices that are 100% juice with no added sugar -- I find that they are sweet enough on their own!! By paying attention to the juices that I am drinking, I am also being more aware of my vitamin intake. For instance, orange, apple, and grape juice are some of the juices that we drink a lot of that each contain 120% daily value of Vitamin C! This is one of my simple changes.
Another change that will undoubtedly lead to a better 2011 is to make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Remember when you were a child and your mom and dad used to make you go to bed at 8:30 so that you'd get plenty of sleep? Well, now we do not need quite so much sleep, but getting eight hours a night makes a difference. I know that for some of us, maybe because of a baby, toddler, or some other reason, it is almost impossible to get eight hours of sleep every night. If that is the case for you, I bet you will begin noticing that you feel better even if you can even increase the amount of sleep that you get by 30 minutes!
A simple way to feel better, have more energy, and maybe even lose a few pounds is to add exercise to your daily routine. It may be as simple as walking to the mailbox or around the block, or it might be a gym membership or Wii fit. =) I enjoy walking when the weather permits, the fresh air tends to give my attitude a boost too!
One of the most important things, for me, is to try and smile and find something good out of every situation. When you are looking for good, you find a lot more of it than when you allow the negative aspects of any given situation to demand all of your attention. One of the ways that I like to do this is by reading the Bible and praying! All of us will go through trying times in 2011, it's life, but when we (look for and) find the positive in our situations, it will seem better!
I hope that some of the simple changes that I am making to have a better 2011 work for you as well. I would love to hear some of your ideas or more suggestions of simple changes for a better year too! Please comment and share your thoughts!!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece