Alternative New year's resolutions

Commit to your most fulfilling year yet, with these alternative resolutions. By Bonnie Cleaver.

The start of a new year is a great time to introduce healthy habits into your life. But rather than just focusing on diet and fitness, we've put together a list of alternative resolutions that will enrich your life on all levels: mind, body and spirit. They're enjoyable, easy to do and don't require superhuman willpower. In fact, you may just find yourself sticking to them throughout January — and for months to come.

Monitor my thoughts

"When you have a thought, you're putting in an order to the universe for what you want your experience to be, so if you're constantly putting out negative thoughts, that's what you'll attract," says Karina Godwin, director of the Flying Souls Institute of Healing. She suggests checking in on your thoughts throughout the day. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, say, 'Ah, stop that!' and flip the thought to the positive opposite. "The more you do this, the easier it becomes and you find your negative thoughts just drop away," assures Godwin.

Spend time in nature

Whether it's a bushwalk, gardening or sitting under a tree at the park, time in nature helps you recharge on a deep level. "Nature is filled with life-force energy that interacts with our energy field, in turn lifting our energy," explains Annie Evans, energetic healer, teacher and author of Live the Life You Long For (Allen & Unwin, $24.99). "To get the most benefits, breathe and be present in nature.

Meditate

Making time to still your mind has immediate and long-term benefits. "Within minutes of meditating, your heart rate slows, blood pressure normalises and both hemispheres of the brain start cycling together, creating a feeling of harmony," says Kevin Hume, director of the Sydney Meditation Centre. "Over time, meditation literally rewires the brain, improving attention, memory and the ability to make measured responses."

Until you find a style that suits you, the 'loving kindness' meditation is a good start. Simply spend 10 minutes focusing on people you are fond of, repeating, 'May 'x' be well and happy.'

Space clear my home

A ritual intended to revitalise the energies in a home, space clearing every few months helps you think clearly, feel positive and manifest your goals, says Michelle Frencham of Empowering Space.

Here's how to do it:

Open all windows and doors in your house. Using a sage stick (from New Age stores), proceed clockwise through the house, sweeping the stick along walls and into corners. As you go, say, 'I clear all negative energy from this house.'

Repeat the process, this time ringing a bell or clapping your hands. Bring in a positive affirmation — this could relate to a goal or be something general like, 'I invoke positive energy for all who live here.'

For the full story, see the January issue of Good Health. Subscribe to 12 issues of Good Health for just $49.95 (that's a saving of $33.45 on the retail price) and and go into the draw to WIN one of 10 fabulous Hawaiian holiday packages, valued at over $12,000 each! The perfect Christmas gift!