The Top Resolutions for the New Year

We hope you have enjoyed all the Holiday activities of 2011. With all the great traditional food, festivities revolving around food & the delicious desserts of the season; the holidays may also give you a Pah-rumpa-tum-tum smackdab in the middle of that ultra-glamorous figure.

No worries, Gorgeous! You are not alone. Staying in shape is a top priority for many in this industry; models and photographers, alike.  In addition to weight loss and ultimate fitness, there are many other goals we set to challenge ourselves to live happier, healthier and more successful lives.

GlamModelz Magazine lists the most popular New Year’s Resolutions that are common year after year, with links to articles and resources to help reach your goals.

Did your goals make the list?

1   Stop Drinking/Drink Less Alcohol

“Drinking a lot on a single  occasion can compromise your immune system. Drinking to intoxication can  slow your body’s ability to produce cytokines that ward off infections by  causing inflammations. Without these inflammatory responses, your body’s  ability to defend itself against bacteria is significantly reduced. A recent  study shows that slower inflammatory cytokine production can reduce your ability to fight off infections for up to 24 hours after getting drunk.“

Stay sober. Stay well.

2   Eat Healthier Food

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans describe a healthy diet as one that:

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;

• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and

• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

Well, I didn’t see the “Chocolate” food group listed, but it has cocoa in it (which is made from cocoa beans…which are veggies) , so looks like we’re safe. Whew!

3   Get a Better Education

Thinking about going back to school or furthering your education? Great idea.

According to studentaid.ed.gov, “The first step to finding the right program and type of school for you is to evaluate your interests. A self-assessment will help you examine your interests and goals, and offers ideas on fields of study and careers that might be right for you.”

4   Get a Better Job

Follow the link —> http://www.jobbankinfo.org/ to search public and private vacancies by viewing individual State job banks. Just click on the map.

5   Get Fit

“Each January, millions of Americans commit to New Year’s resolutions – from improving health to spending more time with friends and family. Commit to making 2012 your healthiest year yet with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.”

6   Lose Weight

Many have attempted this same resolution, year after year with little success. For those who have yet to reach their goal, don’t give up! If at first you don’t succeed, find the key!

“The key to successful weight loss is making changes in your eating and physical activity habits that you can keep up for the rest of your life.”  Follow the link and the recommendations, and hit your target.

7   Get out of Debt

“If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Debt settlement is yet another option. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.”

Sounds like great advice. Use the above link to read more about reducing and eliminating debt.

8   Manage Stress

Managing stress can help you:

• Sleep better
• Control your weight
• Get sick less often and heal faster
• Lessen neck and back pain
• Be in a better mood
• Get along better with family and friends

Isn’t that the truth…and it may also be another great reason to get a massage more often.  Win-win!

9   Quit Smoking

A great tip from Smokefree.gov: “Decide for sure that you want to quit. Promise yourself that you’ll do it. It’s okay to have mixed feelings. Don’t let that stop you. There will be times every day that you don’t feel like quitting. Stick with it anyway!”

10 Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Green = Peace. Learn more about the three “R’s” of Resource Conservation to help conserve our planet’s most valuable resources.

11 Save Money

“Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll ever need in life. You don’t have to be a genius to do it. You just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. No matter how much or little money you have, the important thing is to educate yourself about your opportunities.”

Have you ever said the phrase, “So many shoes, so little time?” No? Oh, well perhaps that’s just me. Excessive shoe shopping is definitely one of those guilty pleasures that can incrementally take its toll on your budget and ultimately, your nest-egg.

The above link from the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy will lead you to a downloadable document that outlines the basics of saving and investing. Its a good read. Not quite “shoe-shopping good” but, it’s pretty close.

12 Take a Trip/Vacation

Taking a vacation doesn’t have to mean going overseas to an exotic (and expensive) locale. You can “get away from it all” by visiting some of the most diverse destinations in the world, right within the United States and surrounding territories. The tourism websites found through the above link will provide great ideas for the perfect getaway.

13 Volunteer to Help Others

Last, but certainly not least on the list of the Top 13 New Year Resolutions is Volunteerism.  From the National Service Blog, “United We Serve”: “We hope you will join the hundreds of thousands of people who start the year off right by helping others…, and recommit yourself to service all year long. Now is the time to look around your communities to find ways you can help. You can find ways to make our neighborhoods cleaner, safer, happier and more welcoming.”

Information and links are provided courtesy of USA.gov||Editorial Images by Jim Jurica Photography

As our resolutions for the New Year may vary, may we take time to reflect upon the friendships, family and connections of the past year; with the passion of the biggest and brightest dreams burning within and a prosperous, joyous and glamorous future, straight ahead. And in everything you do…always follow your heart.

Here’s to you reaching all your goals in 2012 & beyond,

Happy New Year!!

Jett Ray
Managing Editor
GlamModelz Magazine

Posted by: Jett in: Holidayz, Wellness of Mind, Soul & Body on: December 31, 2011
***** Welcome to GlamModelz Magazine, "The Most Glamorous Site on the Internet" ***** Jett Ray is the Managing Editor of GlamModelz Magazine. She has been a post-secondary instructor at local colleges in the Dallas area for over 10 years. Her background in writing comes from a corporate perspective in which had responsibility for composing articles regarding career development and personal-enrichment techniques. Jett is seasoned seminar speaker, event-planner and hostess, in addition to being an experienced model and makeup artist. She has obtained credentials as a Registered Medical Assistant and earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences Degree from Dallas Baptist University, with concentration in Psychology and Healthcare Management. Jett is currently a graduate student enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling Program at DBU, with the goal of obtaining a Ph.D and establishing a practice in the near future. ****Her love for art, design, colors and beauty began at a very young age and she has been in love ever since! ****Jett is actively involved in Dallas' Glamour, Fashion, Music and Social Scene and can be found networking at various events around the Metroplex. Jett

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