Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work

"THE MAJORITY OF NEW YEAR'S resolutions will end in failure," says acupuncturist Carolyn Cohen, L.Ac. "Our motivation, both physical and mental, drops to an all-time low around January 1." From a Taoist perspective, she says, the American holiday season--partying, traveling, decorating, and shopping--is out of tune with the deep, quiet qualities of winter. Winter is a yin season--dark, wet, cold, slow-moving. Winter's yin nature also makes it the worst time of year to begin a vigorous workout schedule or stringent weight-loss program, like many of us do as New Year's resolutions. Winter is a time to conserve strength, to rest, and to build energy, not expend it. Keep an eye on nature, Cohen says. Just as plants reemerge in the spring, so should you. So what should you resolve for this new year? We've put together some suggestions to help you begin 1999 in tune with the season.

HIGHLIGHT THE POSITIVE. Instead of focusing on what you think you should change, make a list of your good qualities and all the things in your life for which you are thankful. Sometimes we all need to remind ourselves how lucky we are.

PAMPER YOURSELF. Once a week do something just for you: Take an herbal therapy bath, give yourself a pedicure, meditate, or rent your favorite movie.

OPEN UP. Turn off the television (and the computer) and try to open yourself up to new ideas and experiences. Once you turn off the tube, you'll be surprised how much extra time you'll have to explore your life and your surroundings.

TRY YOGA. Quiet and invigorating, yoga is a perfect wintertime (or anytime!) exercise. And if you're one of the many people who spends most of her time in front of a computer, check out Keyboard Yoga (www.ivillage.com/fitness/yoga/index.htm). There you'll find more than two dozen yoga poses and self-massage techniques--including Turkey Stretch, Prayer Pose, and Third Eye Massage--that you can do right in your chair. There's even an animated graphic to help you through the motions.

GO FENG SHUI, Get a feng shui evaluation of your home or office. With this ancient Chinese art of interior (and exterior) design, you can harmonize and balance your environment--I helping you create a positive energy flow that will attract good luck, prosperity, and peace.

EAT YOUR VEGETABLES. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day to ensure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. According to experts, many U.S. health problems, especially cancers, can be prevented or corrected with proper nutrition.

GIVE A LITTLE. Go through your cluttered closets and sweaters to a local shelter.

SPEAK OUT. Don't hold your feelings inside. Recent studies have confirmed that repressed emotions (particularly anger) can negatively affect your health. While you're at it, tell those close to you how much they mean to you. Don't wait until it's too late.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning