The new year is an open book. Anything is possible. Would you like to have more energy? Would you like to find balance in your life? Here is a great list that addresses 10 different areas of our lives. Check it out, take notes, and let’s make 2010 the best it can be!

(stock photo by typofi)

1. (Nutrition) Skip The Soda, Drink Water Instead – Re-hydrate your body every day with water, not sugary sodas, for optimal energy, focus and weight loss.

2. (Exercise) Pump Iron – Resistance training increases muscular strength, endurance, and it helps to reduce body fat by increasing the metabolism. Other benefits include increase in bone mineral density and lean body mass.

3. (Money) Pay Yourself First -Designate a certain percentage (5% – 20%) of your income to be set aside each month. Commit yourself to a saving plan; compound interest grows quickly over the years. For example, saving $10 a day at 15% interest = 1 million dollars in 25 years.

4. (Emotions) Write It Down – Writing about traumatic, stressful or emotional events has been found to result in improvements in both physical and psychological health. Start a personal journal today.

5. (Relationships) Use Non-Violent Communication - Before you speak to others ask yourself these three questions: Is it True? Is it Kind? Is it Necessary?

6. (Spirit) Forgive - Letting go of past grudges, hurt and betrayal has been shown to improve cardiovascular and immune function. To learn more about the healing powers of forgiveness visit www.learningtoforgive.com

7. (Volunteer) Get Outside Of Yourself And Help Others – Just thinking about doing something altruistic releases the glee-inducing chemicals serotonin and dopamine. If you aren’t sure where to begin or exactly what you want to do, go to VolunteerMatch.org, they will get you started.

8. (Leisure) Find a Hobby – Hobbies are great stress relievers and they help people stay focused in the present moment and have fun.

9. (Relaxation) Sleep - 7.5 or more hours of sleep each night promotes better learning and memory, increased metabolism and weight loss, better mood and increased immune function.

10. (Career) Find a Mentor – Regardless of the type of work you do, there are people who will gladly share their knowledge to help you do it better. Maybe it’s a senior worker on your team, or somebody who has retired. It could be a top performer who worked for your competition, or someone you’ll find on a forum that deals with your industry. Somebody is out there with the capacity and willingness to help you in your career. Find them.

Jolene Park has been teaching corporate wellness workshops across the US for the past 6 years. She also sees patients for one-on-one nutrition counseling sessions in Denver, CO. For more information on her workshops and private consultations visit www.healthydiscoveries.com.