New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolutions

As we jump from 2016 to 2017, many of us are writing lists for our New Year Resolutions — that we are likely to forget soon. The top two resolutions on everyone’s list? Losing weight and sleeping better. The others include cutting down on smoking and drinking, exercising more, spending time with family — and getting a Genomepatri (ahem).

With experience, I can say that the most important thing is to Know Yourself. Each one of us is wired differently, and we tend to get back to our loop — much like the robots in Westworld. It is therefore extremely important to understand what your habits are and what are the underlying motivations for each of them, to be able to change them.

“Lying to ourselves is more deeply ingrained than lying to others.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky

So once we understand ourselves better, we are more likely to make permanent lifestyle changes rather than something we do for 15 days in January.

Sleeping Better

According to a large-scale study in Boston, sleep patterns are influenced by genetic differences. While a tiny percentage (less than 1%) of us may have the mutation that allows us to sleep for 4–5 hours and function normally, the majority of us need at least 6–7 hours of sleep to remain healthy and let our bodies restore themselves. Sleeping too much or too little can lead to health issues like obesity, cardiac problems, psychiatric illness, and premature mortality.

Losing Weight

Weight loss seems to be a common goal this time of year. The challenge is to understand the causes of weight gain — your genetics, your habits, and how to change them to make this a permanent change rather than a new year fad. Each one of us has a unique life experience and genetic profile, and that knowledge is extremely helpful in implementing lasting changes.

The Choices We Make

Socialising and spending time with family and friends is very important for your health. We often forget that when in the company of friends or family, we are likely to binge — especially if you have the “binge gene.” Mental health is vital too. The brain is what controls those hands reaching out to the pizza, or the increased stress that may trigger many health hazards.

A new year has begun / With some resolutions; / Do you start to surrender / Or focus on finding a solution? / #KnowYourself and ace / You too can rattle and hum.