Each year, we make a New Year’s resolution, one that we typically can’t live up to by the second week of January. The beginning of another year offers us a sense of renewal and the hope of starting over, building on the successes of the past year and giving us a second chance for the mistakes we’ve made. Undoubtedly, many will make a resolution to save more money, quit smoking or drinking, be a better Christian, or even get into better shape.

One of the biggest things that we have to think about is our overall health. Each year, we read the statistics that say we are becoming unhealthier each calendar year. Health is a big concern as we have all gotten a year older and stress has taken its’ toll on us. This year, make a resolution to live healthier in 2007. Here are ten things that you can do to obtain better overall health in 2007.

1 â€" Eat less fast food â€" One major health problem in our world today is the fact that we eat so much fast food. Though many of the fast food restaurants claim to have healthy food for the health conscious, the fact is that it is still bad for you. Take a sandwich to work or something that is healthy. The more the fast food clogs your arteries the worse you will feel. Put down the greasy hamburgers and fries and pick up a salad.

2 â€" Multivitamins â€" I hate taking medicine. Multivitamins are important to take as we rarely get all the things our bodies need out of the foods that we eat. Men’s One a Day is a great one for you to take (it’s the one that I take), but there are also plenty of other brands and varieties that you can take as well. Some can be a little more expensive, but the results are well-worth the price. These vitamins supply the body with what it needs.

3 â€" Exercise â€" we say we’ll do it every year, but typically we don’t. Don’t set a schedule, just look for ways to enjoy exercising. For my dad, it is riding a bicycle across the United States at the age of 55. For me, it is playing basketball and football with my youth group. The important thing is to find something that you enjoy and you will stick to it. If you are a gym rat, invest the money into a membership and get the New Year started off right.

4 â€" Less soda, more water â€" this also includes drinking less energy drinks. Water is predominately what our bodies are made of, therefore we need to constantly replenish it throughout the day without all the stuff added into soft drinks and energy drinks. Juices are also good for the body as they replenish vitamins. Soft drinks offer a lot of sugar which is not good for us.

5 â€" Sleep â€" we all need more of it. One of the greatest ways to get your body back on the right path is to make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Without sleep and rest, our bodies get worn down and are susceptible to sickness. Doctors say that we should get 8 hours of sleep each day to maintain good health. This year, even if it means missing the reruns of your favorite sit-com go to bed on time and get the rest that your body longs for.

6 â€" Better relationship with God â€" you may not believe that this can help, but it truly does. As we improve our relationship with God, we increase in faith and hope which improves our overall health. Rather than falling prey to the stress, we can rise above it as we have hope in the Lord and in the fact that our God is a deliverer. Also, as we grow closer to God we understand that He is true and faithful when He says that He will take care of us.

7 â€" Cut schedule â€" take out the unnecessary things that clutter your schedule. Many times, throughout the year, we exhaust ourselves with all the useless things that we have going on. We keep ourselves busy just so we can say that we are busy, when in all actuality, it is unhealthy to stay that way. Cut out the things that do not have to be done. Take some time and spend it at home.

8 â€" Blood pressure checks â€" This is one of those things we tend to avoid doing, but in neglecting it, it can get out of hand very quickly. This year, get your blood pressure checked regularly to make sure that you are staying healthy and to avoid a major health problem. By monitoring our blood pressure, we can keep it regulating and can talk to our doctors to see how to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

9 â€" Stop procrastinating â€" One of the great diseases of our time is procrastination. I am the worlds worst for it too and what I have realized is that it wears me down, leaving me tired and frustrated. Get tasks done immediately and you will have to think about it less. If we finish things as they come up, we can continue to be ahead of the game rather than always struggling to get back on top of things.

10 - Relax â€" do some fun things in 2007 to help you unwind. My father will be attempting to ride his bicycle across the United States this year, as it helps him to stay in shape, accomplish a goal, and unwind from the rigors of everyday life. Find some things to do that take your mind off of work, whether it is playing golf, playing tennis, reading, writing, or even just driving around. Take a couple of vacations to get away and see something new.

All of these things can help us to improve our health in 2007. The healthier we are the better servant that we are for God. If we are always run down, we do not feel like doing the things that God may be calling us to do. We also will do a better job at serving God is we have the strength and the energy to do so. Make 2007 the year that you begin getting healthy and staying that way!

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