It’s now 2013 and let’s cut right to the chase– or the bottom line– and it’s time for you to put off the “to do” list and actually get started with it. I already have. I have cleaned up a ton of my office, cleared off a chunk of stuff on my desk and pulled out things to donate to charities, camps and also ebay as well. That said, there’s a lot to be said for how you gain a new perspective on life and some of it comes from you just getting outside and MOVING!!
Here’s what Dr. Andrew Weil suggests!

Get walking – skip the car!

Gasoline is expensive, money is tight, and obesity in America is at record levels – a major reason that we have higher obesity rates than others in the developed world appears to be that we walk much less. 2013 is the year we as a nation need get serious about walking. I often hear that walking is too easy and that only sweaty, strenuous activity offers real benefits. But there is abundant evidence that regular, brisk walking is associated with better health, including lower blood pressure, better moods and improved cholesterol ratios. Try to walking rather driving to work or to run errands as often as you can – in other words, think of walking as alternative transportation. Check out www.walkscore.com to calculate the walkability of your home or work address for nearby markets, banks, post offices, restaurants or other amenities.

Grab a buddy.

Studies show that factors including accountability and the “buddy system” increase the likelihood of following through with workout goals. You know that one yoga class you’ve been shying away from taking? Sign up for it together with a friend or co-worker and make it part of your weekly routine. Your body and peace of mind will thank you!

These shoes were made for walking.

Invest in a good pair of shoes or walking-friendly sandals that are breathable, offer good arch support, are relatively lightweight and have flexible soles to allow the front of your foot to flex comfortably. New shoes will also make you feel look and feel great – and thus more likely to get out there and meet your fitness goals. Check out the Rhythm Walker which features a removable orthotic footbed that supports the feet and helps realign the lower-legs, improving posture and balance: http://www.weilbeing.com/women/rhythm-walker.html

(side note: Here’s what I got from Dr. Weil’s collection and it’s very comfortable, on trend and yet has a low heel and a very comfortable foot bed no matter how long you are on your feet!)

The Wisdom Boot in brown.
Affordable, chic contrast stitching and lots of nifty little details that I like.

Use…Walking Poles?
One variation to walking you might wish to try includes walking (fitness) poles. Some fitness poles have been shown to increase the calories burned while walking by a whopping 30 to 40 percent, as well as reducing the impact on knees, hips and legs. Other research has shown that walking with poles increases oxygen consumption by 20 to 25 percent when compared to walking without them. The result is a better cardiovascular and muscular workout with less stress on weight-bearing joints. What’s not to love?

Buy a Pedometer.
A study by The Journal of the American Medical Association showed that people who used pedometers to monitor their daily activity walked about one extra mile each day (or 2,000 more steps) compared to those who wore covered pedometers and couldn’t monitor their steps. Analysis also found that blood pressure and weight were lowered. If possible, make a daily walk around the block a part of your lunch break routine. Getting a bit of fresh air reinvigorates the body and you’ll return to work more focused and refreshed.

Leave the stress behind.
In 2013, be sure to take the time to also focus on your inner wellbeing and improving overall happiness.
-Keep calming candles (such as beeswax) throughout your home to create an inviting and comforting atmosphere. They’re a convenient, inexpensive way to add ambience, calm and serenity to a home or office throughout the year.
-Try not to take things too seriously – a negative mood only adds to your level of stress.
-Another plus, laughter seems to help boost the immune system, in turn making you less prone to developing colds and other infections.
In 2013, be sure to take the time to also focus on your inner wellbeing. Keep calming scented candles throughout your home or wear your favorite perfume more often to appreciate its fragrance, which helps improve overall happiness. Try not to take things too seriously – a negative mood only adds to your level of stress. Another plus – laughter seems to help boost the immune system, in turn making you less prone to developing colds and other infections.

Thanks to Dr. Andrew Weil for his smart tips on getting healthy without doing a lot of anything that’s out of your regular realm of activity.

Andrew Weil, M.D., is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and the editorial director of www.DrWeil.com. Become a fan on Facebook, follow Dr. Weil on Twitter, and check out his Daily Health Tips Blog.

Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com

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