As we jump from 2016 to 2017, many of us are writing lists for our New Year Resolutions- that we are likely to forget soon.  I posted a poll on Twitter and the top two New Year’s Resolutions on everyone’s list were losing weight and sleeping better. The others included cutting down on smoking/ drinking, exercising more, spend time with family, Getting a Genomepatri ( ahem) and much more.

Getting back to resolutions, Well…I have been there many times, and with the experience, I can say that the most important thing is to “Know Yourself”. Each one of us is wired differently, and we tend to get back to our loop- much like the Robots in Westworld.  

It is therefore extremely important to understand what your habits are and what are the underlying motivations for each of them to be able to change them.

One of the biggest challenges to overcome in this journey is to stop lying to ourselves. By avoiding a conversation about something, the problem doesn’t necessarily go away; it may sometimes amplify so much that it may not be easy to get back to a healthy state.

“Lying to ourselves is more deeply ingrained than lying to others.”

― Fyodor Dostoyevsky

So once we understand ourselves better, we are more likely to make permanent lifestyle changes rather than something we do for 15 days in January.

Let’s focus on the top 2 resolutions that people have around New Year.

Sleeping Better

According to a large-scale study in Boston, they found that sleep patterns are influenced by genetic differences. While a tiny percentage( less than 1 %)  of us may have the mutation that allows us to sleep for 4-5 hours and be functioning normally. The majority of us will have to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep to remain healthy and let our bodies restore themselves. The study concluded that sleeping too much or too little can lead to health issues like obesity, cardiac problems, psychiatric illness and premature mortality.

Losing Weight

Weight loss, on the other hand, seems to be a common goal this time of the year.

Many of us have this constant battle with weight. The challenge is to understand the causes of weight gain, your genetics, your habits and how to change them to make this a permanent change rather than a new year fad. Each one of us has our unique life experience, and genetics and that knowledge are extremely helpful in implementing changes.

Ah… The Choices We Make…

“Homo sapien – The social animal” Socializing and spending with family and friends is very important for your health. We often forget that when in the company of our friends or family, we are likely sometimes to binge especially if you have the “Binge gene”. It is important to be aware…. An occasional binge is not just okay but necessary.

“Peace of Mind” – Your health is not just controlled by your physical activities and genes. Mental health is vital. The brain is what controls those hands reaching out to the pizza or increased stress that may trigger many health hazards.

So the question boils down to understanding why we do what we do, and making necessary changes that one can live with.

A new year has begun

With some resolutions;

Do you start to surrender

Or focus on finding a solution

Lose weight or sleep more

Eat less and exercise for sure

Quit that smoke and drink less

Join a gym to fit that dress

Forever in the rat race

This battle can be won

#KnowYourself and ace

You too can rattle and hum