2010/01/04
LIZTA AMIRUL IHSAN and ZUHAILA SEDEK
It's not easy to commit to a huge resolution, so why not make little adjustments to our habits as we start the New Year? SYIDA LIZTA AMIRUL IHSAN and ZUHAILA SEDEK offer some suggestions.
The problem with having one resolution as we change the calendar is that we tend to aspire to do something big — sometimes unattainable — like losing the extra 10kg or quitting smoking. And then we hinge on that expectation for 12 months when life is more than just about being thin and quitting a bad habit.
The best way is to do things gradually, starting with doing less of a bad habit and more of a good one. Small things count and small changes will go a long way. Here’s a list of what you could do less of and what you can do more of ... something to ponder on as we usher in yet another year.
DRIVE LESS, WALK MORE
The next time you go to the nearby grocery store, walk, don’t drive. It’s a good way to get your body moving in the increasingly sedentary modern lifestyle of ours and it’s better for the environment, too. Push your baby in a stroller, take your dog for a walk or go jogging at the park. The fresh air will do you good.
THROW LESS, RECYCLE MORE
Spend some time on your feet — jogging and walking will do your body good.
Think twice before you throw. As much as you can, reuse bottles and containers. Buy refill packs when available. Use cotton bags when you shop because this will reduce the use of plastic bags. Opt for cloth diapers for babies. Recycle old newspapers, glass and plastic bottles. Take a stand and help reduce the garbage we produce.
EAT OUT LESS, COOK MORE
You don’t have to be Anthony, Nigella, Gordon or Jamie to sizzle in the kitchen. Even if you are a beginner, you can start with simple recipes you can get from the Net. The upside of cooking from scratch is that you know what goes into your food, have complete control over the ingredients and determine the freshness of what you cook. In short, the meal is more nutritious. Eating out sometimes means unhealthy eating, and for families, would cost more too.
FIGHT LESS, LOVE MORE
What’s the point of hating and arguing with each other when we can solve our disagreements in a painless, diplomatic way? Shouting and yelling is so yesterday. Instead, focus more on solutions. As corny as it sounds, it’s true when therapists say that when you argue, argue for the relationship and solutions, not for your ego.
DEPEND LESS, BE INDEPENDENT MORE
You know the old adage — stand on your own two feet? Surprisingly, some people forget this. Whether it’s a husband depending on his wife to look after the children until she doesn’t have even a little bit of time for herself, or a wife utterly dependant on her husband for even the smallest of errands, or a perfectly healthy adult still hanging on to parental financial support, it’s time to get back on your feet again and gain, to some extent at least, a degree of independence.
SCOLD LESS, LISTEN MORE
It has been printed on mugs and bumper stickers that “courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen”. When it comes to children, it’s easier to scold and shut them up... “because I’m your parent and I say so”. End of discussion. But why not listen to what they have to say? Parents may learn something from their children. Be dismissive with them and they will grow up to be self-absorbed and dismissive themselves.
WATCH LESS, READ MORE
It may be cruel to keep calling the television the “idiot box”, considering it can open our eyes to places and show us new discoveries. But nothing beats the powerful force of the imagination when you read. Reading opens up a whole new world and lets you travel the globe through the pages. It’s an old-fashioned hobby, admittedly, what with video games and cable TV dominating homes. But whoever thinks highly of a well-watched person?
SPEND LESS, SAVE MORE
True, spending boosts the economy. But how about trying to save for something bigger, like a European holiday or starting your own at-home business instead of buying a new pair of designer shoes every other month? Try not to go for instant gratification, because the more you invest, the bigger your rewards.
Learn to give to those in need.
GOSSIP LESS, THINK MORE
Gossiping about others reflects insecurity. We all sometimes take comfort in talking about other people’s flaws but maybe it’s time to slow it down. Gossiping is a habit and slowing down requires time. A trick is to think twice before saying anything. And use the time instead to think about ourselves, our flaws and how to improve them.
PARTY LESS, STAY HOME MORE
Family first. This phrase is relevant to us no matter which era we are in. There are moments when we might be taking our family for granted and that should not be the case. After all, at the end of the day, our family is the one whom we would turn to when the world comes crashing down or when we need a shoulder to cry on.
BUY LESS, DONATE MORE
In today’s highly-commercialised world, it’s always about “I” and very little about “You”. So how about giving the underprivileged a helping hand? Pledge a donation to your preferred charity organisation or buy necessities for shelters like orphanages. Your gift will bring cheer and hope to them.
FORGIVE MORE, FORGET MORE
Not only should you be doing this to the person who might have hurt
BREAK LESS, WORK MORE
Most of us have been guilty of this at one time or another. Aside from the mandatory lunch break, we take coffee breaks, cigarette breaks or post-lunch tea breaks. Well, the time has come to break the habit. It’s time that we be more productive. Show your potential at your workplace and stop wasting time. This way, you can finish work faster and leave for home earlier.
EAT LESS, MOVE MORE
The key to losing weight, as written by nutritionist Marion Nestle in her eye-opening book What to Eat consists of just those four words above. Take in less calories but move your body more, be it exercising in the gym, gardening or doing household chores. If you want to lose weight, this is a good starting point.
SMOKE LESS, EXERCISE MORE
If you are trying to kick the habit, try exercising. According to quitsmokingsupport.com, exercise plays an important role in quitting smoking. The reason? Cigarettes help alleviate stress for smokers. When they quit, the stress level will rise. Exercise is also a stress reliever and can replace that dependence on cigarettes. The website also found that smokers who regularly exercise have a much higher quit-smoking rate compared with those who just attempt to quit.n
EAT OUT LESS, COOK MORE
You don’t have to be Anthony, Nigella, Gordon or Jamie to sizzle in the kitchen. Even if you are a beginner, you can start with simple recipes you can get from the Net. The upside of cooking from scratch is that you know what goes into your food, have complete control over the ingredients and determine the freshness of what you cook. In short, the meal is more nutritious. Eating out sometimes means unhealthy eating, and for families, would cost more too.
FIGHT LESS, LOVE MORE
What’s the point of hating and arguing with each other when we can solve our disagreements in a painless, diplomatic way? Shouting and yelling is so yesterday. Instead, focus more on solutions. As corny as it sounds, it’s true when therapists say that when you argue, argue for the relationship and solutions, not for your ego.
DEPEND LESS, BE INDEPENDENT MORE
You know the old adage — stand on your own two feet? Surprisingly, some people forget this. Whether it’s a husband depending on his wife to look after the children until she doesn’t have even a little bit of time for herself, or a wife utterly dependant on her husband for even the smallest of errands, or a perfectly healthy adult still hanging on to parental financial support, it’s time to get back on your feet again and gain, to some extent at least, a degree of independence.
SCOLD LESS, LISTEN MORE
It has been printed on mugs and bumper stickers that “courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen”. When it comes to children, it’s easier to scold and shut them up... “because I’m your parent and I say so”. End of discussion. But why not listen to what they have to say? Parents may learn something from their children. Be dismissive with them and they will grow up to be self-absorbed and dismissive themselves.
WATCH LESS, READ MORE
It may be cruel to keep calling the television the “idiot box”, considering it can open our eyes to places and show us new discoveries. But nothing beats the powerful force of the imagination when you read. Reading opens up a whole new world and lets you travel the globe through the pages. It’s an old-fashioned hobby, admittedly, what with video games and cable TV dominating homes. But whoever thinks highly of a well-watched person?
True, spending boosts the economy. But how about trying to save for something bigger, like a European holiday or starting your own at-home business instead of buying a new pair of designer shoes every other month? Try not to go for instant gratification, because the more you invest, the bigger your rewards.
|
| Learn to give to those in need. |
Gossiping about others reflects insecurity. We all sometimes take comfort in talking about other people’s flaws but maybe it’s time to slow it down. Gossiping is a habit and slowing down requires time. A trick is to think twice before saying anything. And use the time instead to think about ourselves, our flaws and how to improve them.
PARTY LESS, STAY HOME MORE
Family first. This phrase is relevant to us no matter which era we are in. There are moments when we might be taking our family for granted and that should not be the case. After all, at the end of the day, our family is the one whom we would turn to when the world comes crashing down or when we need a shoulder to cry on.
BUY LESS, DONATE MORE
In today’s highly-commercialised world, it’s always about “I” and very little about “You”. So how about giving the underprivileged a helping hand? Pledge a donation to your preferred charity organisation or buy necessities for shelters like orphanages. Your gift will bring cheer and hope to them.
FORGIVE MORE, FORGET MORE
Not only should you be doing this to the person who might have hurt
BREAK LESS, WORK MORE
Most of us have been guilty of this at one time or another. Aside from the mandatory lunch break, we take coffee breaks, cigarette breaks or post-lunch tea breaks. Well, the time has come to break the habit. It’s time that we be more productive. Show your potential at your workplace and stop wasting time. This way, you can finish work faster and leave for home earlier.
EAT LESS, MOVE MORE
The key to losing weight, as written by nutritionist Marion Nestle in her eye-opening book What to Eat consists of just those four words above. Take in less calories but move your body more, be it exercising in the gym, gardening or doing household chores. If you want to lose weight, this is a good starting point.
SMOKE LESS, EXERCISE MORE
If you are trying to kick the habit, try exercising. According to quitsmokingsupport.com, exercise plays an important role in quitting smoking. The reason? Cigarettes help alleviate stress for smokers. When they quit, the stress level will rise. Exercise is also a stress reliever and can replace that dependence on cigarettes. The website also found that smokers who regularly exercise have a much higher quit-smoking rate compared with those who just attempt to quit.n
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