Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA
2019 President, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
“Clear the mind and make time for self:
- On New Year’s Day, spend at least two hours reflecting on how to incorporate some small, healthy habits into your lifestyle.
- Spend at least one day away each year with no television, phone, or distractions; this was a common practice by beloved Maya Angelou.
- Dedicate at least 10 minutes a day to meditation, prayer, or mantras.
- Spend time in nature for 10 minutes a day or at minimum once a week (e.g. walking and observing your surroundings and the environment).
Be clear on your goals:
- Write down one to two health goals for the year and look at them each day. Place these goals in a prominent place to be reminded daily (e.g. next to your nightstand, bathroom mirror, etc.). Reminders and reinforcements are key to resolutions.
- Profess your goal out loud. Sharing with others helps to create accountability.
Be reasonable and love yourself:
- It’s important to make baby steps towards your goals and also to be kind to yourself if you make a mistake or are not on track. Slander towards oneself is a self-defeating affirmation that makes it more difficult to reach your goal. Reflect, review, reaffirm, make a plan, and move on!
- Remember that life is a marathon not a race; thus the small incremental health steps you make daily are much more impactful than short-term gains.”
