COMPLETE Guide to Keeping Your Home Fresh

If you’re anything like us, we’ve been soaking in this last 2017-2018 winter season, weather and festivities included. So far, it’s felt like one cozy yet entertaining season.  

 

Of course, we all know what that means for the state of our homes: the house not getting as much fresh air as it needs, not as much day light—or light in general—plus so much post-holiday clutter that, in the end, you consider needed insulation.  

 

So, how do you tackle that growing to-do list without waiting until “spring cleaning” strikes two months from now? You take action without making excuses! Action, in our humble opinion, is usually facilitated by creating lists. And a timeline is the best way to organize a big task like spring cleaning into smaller goals.  

 

Here at Dr. Ku’s office, we think a calendar provides a wonderful structure for the small but meaningful tasks at hand. So we went ahead and broke down a 28-day How-To Guide by using the calendar of February! 

 

Let’s Begin:  

 

FEBRUARY 1 – Dust Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures 

Start from the top of the room, as everything will fall to the floor and you will have to clean floors again if you dust ceiling fans out of order. Our quick and handy tip: use a pillowcase to wipe off all the dust on fan blades, then spray to clean up residual left. For most of us, there’s usually a LOT of dust! 

 

FEBRUARY 2 – Wash the Blinds 

Best bet is to wash these in the tub. If you don’t have that kind of time, use a vacuum with a soft bristle brush hose and then wipe them down with a Clorox wipe. 

 

FEBRUARY 3 – Clean the Curtains 

Depending on your budget and the quality of your curtains, you could either take them to the cleaners, have someone come to your house and steam clean them, or just throw them in the wash on a gentle cycle and immediately hang after washing.  

 

FEBRUARY 4 – Clean Windows 

This means inside and out. We know, we know…yes, it is probably going to rain right after you clean the outside of the windows (Murphy’s Law), but it must be done. 

 

FEBRUARY 5 – Clean Windowsills 

Yes, this also includes those little nooks and crannies that window frames come with. Use a cotton swab to clear out the gunk that a cloth or wipe doesn’t manage. 

 

FEBRUARY 6 – Clean Refrigerator/Freezer 

You’ll want to take everything out at appropriate times (no spoilage) and use something with as little chemical vapors as possible for scrubbing, like baking soda.  

 

FEBRUARY 7 – Clean the Outside of Appliances 

Just clean the outside of your appliances for now. Don’t put too much on your plate! This means cleaning the outside of the refrigerator, the oven, the microwave, the toaster, coffee pot, etc. And if you have a special cleaner for any appliances like those with stainless steel, be sure to use that.  

 

FEBRUARY 8 – Clean the Inside of Appliances, and the Kitchen Sink 

Dependent on how many appliances you have you’ll want to be sure to clean the inside of them. And we highly suggest not using the self-cleaning mode, as this can reduce the lifespan of the appliance. Hot tip: for the sink you’ll want to use the classic mixture of baking soda and vinegar to disinfect and rinse, that’s it!  

 

FEBRUARY 9 – Clean the Stovetop 

If you are one of the lucky folks with an electric glass top stovetop, then you most likely won’t have as much back-breaking work as those of us with a gas stove. Either way, be sure to remove all nobs and burners and clear away all debris, then sanitize with the appropriate cleaner.  

 

FEBRUARY 10 – Wash and Sanitize Doorknobs 

Did anybody get sick this winter? Have you even ever done this in your home? It’s scary to think there are people that don’t practice this. Sanitize all things you touch with your hands or use in shared spaces with others! That includes remote controls, phones, door knobs/handles/pulls, and even the door itself if pushed to open or close. 

 

FEBRUARY 11 – Wash Textiles 

After cozying up all winter in those comfy blankets and squishy pillows, you’ll want to get rid of any lingering smells by tossing them in the appropriate wash cycle. We’re talking sofa linens, bath and bedroom linens.  

 

FEBRUARY 12 – Clean the Dishwasher  

Yep, we said it. Even that machine that is supposed to clean things needs to be cleaned. Start by removing all racks and trays. Check the water-spinning holes to see if they’re clogged. Check the bottom of the door, the floor of the dishwasher, the drain, the gate and grill for debris that could be clogging up the process. Use a toothbrush with baking soda or warm soapy water, and set it on a rinse cycle when done. 

 

FEBRUARY 13 – Clean the Washing Machine 

Like the dishwasher, this machine also has to be cleaned…even though it is constantly cleaning! It still absorbs dirt, so wash this sucker down from top to bottom.  

 

FEBRUARY 14 – Dryer 

This one’s simple, and we sure hope you do it on the regular, but clear the lint trap from the dryer! This is a huge fire hazard. Every time a load is done drying, this should be cleared out. And be sure to keep the area around and behind the dryer tidy as well! 

 

FEBRUARY 15 – Sanitize Bathroom Fixtures 

You might have already accomplished this when wiping doorknobs and shared touched fixtures, but spend one day sanitizing bathroom fixtures specifically. We don’t need mention what particles could be flying in this vicinity…you get it. So keep every inch of it clean!  

 

FEBRUARY 16 – Bathroom Mats and Toys 

If you’re like some of us here in the office, you might have little kids or even grandkids. Surely, they have toys they like to play with in the tub. Grab those items, plus all the mats you and the kids use, and toss them in the washing machine with some vinegar. Keep they toys in a loose washer-safe baggy to avoid parts falling off.  

 

FEBRUARY 17 – Scrub the bathtub, shower, toilet and bathroom sink 

We’re talking about all that porcelain and ceramic. Grab your favorite cleaner, a two-sided sponge, some rubber gloves, and maybe even a toothbrush, and give these babies a good scrub down. We highly recommend using a bleach spray on any grout. Which leads us to our next task… 

 

FEBRUARY 18 – Cleaning the Grout 

Sprinkle baking soda on every bit of grout you find in your bathroom or kitchen, using a spray bottle filled with vinegar to apply over baking soda. Let it sit and bubble for a few minutes and then scrub—but not for too long, or the will settle back into the grout. 

 

FEBRUARY 19 – Wash Shower Curtains 

Your best bet might to be to just throw out the curtain and get a new one, but that will always depend. We recommend using an inexpensive curtain liner along with a fabric curtain that stays outside of the wash area. If it’s salvageable, washing with 1 cup of vinegar, your normal detergent and some old towels will do the trick. Hang to dry immediately after washing. As for the washing shower doors and getting that calcium depository to lift, we recommend a diluted mixture of vinegar, water, lemon juice and a baking soda paste. 

 

FEBRUARY 20 – Baseboards 

This is one of the chores we feel particularly passionate about! The baseboard actually has an architectural purpose: to catch the dirt that falls from the top of the room, down the wall and onto the floor. It’s also there to make it easier for you to clean, so let it see its purpose! Take a warm soap-wet cloth and run along the expanse of the baseboard, and then rinse the rag and wipe once more for any residual soap. Or, you can use a wet wipe. Your preference – just make sure to clean it! 

 

FEBRUARY 21 – Rugs and Carpet 

We know some rugs might be too massive to throw in the wash, but for the ones that are machine-washable at home, be sure to wash these regularly. When it comes to the larger rugs, try to prioritize having someone come clean them at your house, or renting a carpet cleaner from your local Home Depot or home improvement store. Rugs and carpets can be one of the biggest culprits of keeping your family sick, and the air in your home un-breathable.  

 

FEBRUARY 22 – Clean the Inside of Cabinets and Drawers 

This might actually be a task that takes a few days, but try tackling the cabinets and storage places that are messing with your daily grind the most. In places like the dish cupboards, just pull items out, wipe them down and put them back in place. Don’t take on too much by feeling the need to reorganize. The sheer act of wiping out may inspire you to mull over how better to organize the space at a later date.  

 

FEBRUARY 23 – 28 

We left a little wiggle room of 5 days because we know, just like us, you’re not perfect—and life happens. The hope is that you can accomplish at least one of these tasks a day, if not two (if you have the time)! And that by the end of the month your place will be feeling ready for a new season—it can be a clean spring instead of a spring of cleaning.  

 

Enjoy your February, and don’t forget between all this cleaning to schedule some down-time to cater to your personal care needs—one of those being your teeth! Making the time is how true self-improvement begins. Good luck, busy bee!

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Then and Now—The History of Fort Worth

Once upon a time, Fort Worth’s population a mere 500 people, when the sidewalks were made of wood trestles. 500 people could be found sitting along a river, setting up camp…setting up a way of life that–till this day–Fort Worth continues to embody and represent: an entrepreneurial, hard-working society of like-minded people.  

 

Here at Dr. Ku’s office we are proud to call Fort Worth our home, and want to help paint the picture of Fort Worth’s history to the people who continue to trust in our care. So, let’s begin with the timeline! 

 

1843: Treaty of Bird’s Fort was signed between the Republic of Texas and several Native American tribes that declared no one may pass or reside over “the line of trading houses,” or the Indian’s territory, without permission of the President of Texas.  

 

1849: The original “trading houses” were later established by the U.S. Army and War Department to protect the changing American Frontier after the Mexican-American War. In January 1849, U.S. Army General William Jenkins Worth (a veteran of the Mexican-American War) proposed to build more forts to mark and protect the west Texas frontier, but sadly passed away five months later. His initiative, however, lived on. In June of 1849, Camp Worth was established in honor of General Worth at a north-facing bluff that overlooked the mouth of the Clear Fork.  

 

1854: John Peter Smith opened a school to twelve students, and residents Archibald Leonard and Henry Daggett started the town’s first department stores.  

 

1856: Julian Field opened a flour mill and general store. The Butterfield Overland Mail and the Southern Pacific Stage Line used the town as their western terminal en route to California. 

 

1860: Construction on the controversial (and rightful location) of the county courthouse began, although it was not finished until the 1870s due to the Civil War.  

 

1870: Captain Martin B. Lloyd opened an “exchange” office that later evolved into the First National Bank, chartered in 1877.  

 

1872: Three more residents opened new general stores in town.  

 

1873: With a population of 500, Fort Worth became incorporated by holding an election for a mayor-council government; Fort Worth National Bank was established at this time, too. However, a severe winter dealt a harsh blow to the once-bustling cattle industry, and so railroad construction halted, leaving many out of a job and onto the next city with greater opportunity.  

 

After an article was published that someone had seen a panther asleep in the street outside the courthouse, the nickname “Panther City” stuck as Fort Worthians embraced the jest while they recovered in the next few years from the depression.  

 

1876: The Texas and Pacific Railway came to Fort Worth, causing a boom in the stockyards to become a premier city for the wholesale trade of cattle. As the industry grew, people from the war-torn south flooded in to Fort Worth for work. In the years that followed, oil and aviation brought new wealth to the region, turning a once small camp into a bustling city. 

 

1881: The first telephone exchange began operating in 1881, with 40 customers. Fort Worth saw a booming population of approximately 7,000 people. 

 

1885: Electricity came to the city. 

 

1889: The original Texas Spring Palace was erected. Sadly, it burnt down only a few months later. Later the citizens raised money for a monument of the civil engineer Al Hayne, who saved many lives in the fire—the monument still stands today.  

 

1900: Population reported at 26,668.  

 

1902: Packing houses Swift & Company, Armour & Company an McNiel & Libby all came to Fort Worth due to the bustling cattle industry, establishing Fort Worth as the epicenter of packing houses in the southwest.  

 

1909: The Fort Worth Gas Company was organized and began serving 3,840 customers with their 90-mile pipeline from Petrolia, Texas. Fort Worth Zoo, the oldest continuous zoo site in Texas, was opened. 

 

1914: World War I broke out, giving Fort Worth a run for it’s money with oil and war needs. 

 

1917: Due to the mild climate permitting year-round training, Camp Bowie was established by the U.S. Army where 100,000 men were trained, as well as where aviation activity training centers were established. 

 

1920: Oil stock exchanges were established in Forth Worth when refinery and pipeline companies such as Sinclair Refining Company, Texaco, and Humble Oil and Refining Company began their operations in the city. 

 

1914 – 1945: Due to the needs of the wars Fort Worth became a metropolis between the years of both World Wars. Many of the city’s most prominent architecture and businesses were established that still exist today. The Fort Worth Army Field, a Quartermaster Depot and Marine Air Base, was constructed in Fort Worth—signifying a milestone in the city’s ability to employ and safeguard its country with aviation. 

 

1948 – 1951: The Army Airfield was renamed Carswell Air Force Base, and to this day connects Fort Worth to its military heritage and prosperity.  

 

1980s: Major city revitalization started with the introduction of Sundance Square, new office towers, hotels popping up and the convention center being remodeled, making Fort Worth a 35-block commercial, residential, entertainment and retail district. 

 

Present Day: Once just a cow town, Fort Worth continues to embody it’s past by remaining one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, and represents a proud Western heritage not being forgotten any time soon. 

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Invisalign

1. Society and culture

 

Having straight teeth is a “thing.” For a lot of people, it’s an envied thing. Anyone can understand this envy who’s had (or has) crooked or oddly-spaced teeth. For those of you who straightened up, have you felt a legitimate difference in interactions with others? For most of us, it’s as if we attract a whole new life with the newfound confidence to smile.

 

If you’re still dreaming of those straight teeth and feeling the freedom of smiling without shame… you’re not alone. We here at Dr. Ku’s office are here to break through any fears or misconceptions you may have about the idea of braces, thanks to the modern advent of Invisalign.

 

Sometimes, we have to make sacrifices in order to have a better outcome later. If we want straight pearly whites for the rest of our lives, some of us have to pay up by wearing metal traps (yeah, braces) or Invisalign (read on for options). Are you brave enough to pay up now so you can fly later?

 

2. The Invisalign process

 

Treatment will begin by your dentist taking x-rays, photographs, a bite registration and impressions of your teeth in order to understand what needs to be changed.

 

Your dentist will then write your evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan. In the meantime, your impressions are sent in to be scanned so that a 3D representation of the teeth can be computerized. From that computerized image, technicians are able to adjust the alignment of teeth in stages, which creates the stages you’ll go through in your Invisalign treatment.

 

Before the trays that mark these stages are manufactured, you and your doctor will meet to talk over and approve your plan, and make changes if necessary.

 

Each “tray” (or “aligner” or “stage”) is meant to be worn 20-22 hours a day for two weeks, making the average treatment process about 13 and a half months, or as little as 20 weeks. However, it must be noted that the treatment length will vary based on each patient’s teeth and how diligently the patient uses their trays.

 

Yes, trays will need to be removed for brushing, flossing and eating. This means you get to eat everything you feared you would have to give up with wire-framed braces.

 

Appointments with your dentist should be scheduled every 4-6 weeks to review progress and allow for any necessary modifications. Maintenance of the aligners is as simple as using a very soft toothbrush and a small amount of your daily toothpaste on them. There is also a tablet that dissolves in water and cleans aligners if you’d like to use those, too.

 

After there are no more trays to wear, and the patient is satisfied with their newly positioned teeth, fasteners will come off your teeth and the patient must wear the provided retainers at night for at least an extended period.

 

3. Invisalign vs. braces

 

Invisalign is…well, invisible. And Invisalign is comfortable. And you can remove Invisalign in case you have a date or a big work presentation.

 

Yes, typically Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces, so wire braces might be a more affordable option for you. And on that same note, some treatments might require traditional braces due to severe overcrowding or other more problematic alignment. And if smoking, red wine or coffee are habits you won’t be able to cut back on, braces might also be the better option.

 

At the end of the day we want you to be comfortable while on your way to a new and improved smile! Make an appointment with use here at Dr. Ku’s office, and we’ll be glad to let you know what your options are, and get started on the best plan for you.

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The Impact of Whiter Teeth

Have you ever been on a date and either felt like you forgot to check your teeth beforehand, or forgot to brush them, or worse felt extremely uncomfortable showing what you know to be an aging, fading smile? Confidence and smiles are two of the most socially influential features you can tout, and a lack of either can affect your social and professional live on all levels.  

 

So, what is the psychology behind this undeniable truth that having a confident smile and healthy mouth correlates so directly to your ability to thrive?  

 

Let’s review a little science first… 

 

When you experience any situation that brings about positive or uplifting vibes, neurons travel to the cortex of your brain signaling the brainstem to contact the cranial muscle (skull), which then signals the muscles around your mouth to crack a smile.  

 

What’s crazy is that once this reaction begins, a truly genuine smile is carried even further through the face to the muscles that show smile sincerity: the orbicularis occuli, or the socket that encircles our eye. 

 

Ever heard someone say that a person has a sparkle in his or her eye, or has glittering eyes? This is actually the feature that gives away genuine smiles. 

 

Simply put, your ability to unabashedly and genuinely smile makes you a more likable person. And it goes without saying that being more likable can in turn help you build those lasting relationships at your job or at home…all because of your ability to grin assuredly. 

 

Smiling at people makes them feel good about you – it’s one of the most fundamental human reward signals that displays friendliness, trustworthiness and honesty. 

 

At Dr. Ku’s office, we wanted to compile a list of the ways the impact of a whiter smile can affect your life. Read on to see how your options like tooth whitening can also brighten your life in other ways! 

 

How does a whiter smile affect other aspects of life? 

 

1. Improved health – once you choose to whiten, your incentive to maintain a healthy diet is that it will prolong the effect of your whitening! Through the responsibility of having to maintain healthy food options, you ensure having strong teeth and gums, which enables even more eating of a nutrient rich diet, properly digested food, and a strong smile.

 

2. Improved attractiveness – the saying “a happy child is the prettiest child” isn’t a saying for no reason. Smiling makes a person radiate positivity and likeability. Being able to smile innately without a second-thought is invaluable to a person’s outward appearance.

 

3. Improved self-esteem – the physical act of smiling actually improves your emotional state by sending signals to your brain, which releases endorphins, in turn boosting your mood. It also makes you feel more confident and be outwardly perceived as a confident person. That’s a win-win for sure!

 

4. Better relationships – there might be no better way to make a person feel good about you than smiling at them. When someone is happy with you, or you make him or her happy, it makes a difference…especially if that person is your boss, or a partner, or your child or other loved one. Teeth whitening, believe it or not, can impact those relationships by opening that smile!

 

One study tracked the lives of women who had the “best smile” awards in yearbook photos compared their success in stable relationships and careers with their peers. Women who had the “best” smiles lived happier lives, had happier marriages, and had fewer setbacks. 

 

It’s fascinating to understand the psychology of why those who have a confident smile tend to live different lives than those without.  

 

Options for tooth whitening 

 

Your options for whitening are:  

 

1. Over-the-counter – the cheapest form of whitening means it will typically be the least effective. Nonetheless, they’re easy to acquire and easy to use. Some of the over-the-counter options include: toothpastes, gels, rinses, strips, and pre-made whitening trays.

 

2. Take-home treatment – The cost for take-home treatment from Dr. Ku’s office will depend on the cost of the personalized trays, the gel and how many treatments we recommend, but will be much more effective than over-the-counter.

 

3. In-office – The cost will depend on the total number of sessions and if you need advanced whitening treatment, which can include laser. The steeper expense alludes to the stronger treatment we’re able to offer, and will give you much more dramatic results. We use a combination of whitening gel and specially-formatted lights to achieve optimal results. Sometimes we also send you home with the trays so you can perform additional treatments at home as well.

 

Besides whitening, we wanted to share some of the other ways our patients can obtain a brighter and more genuine smile:  

 

1. Crowns
2. Bonding
3. Veneers
4. Snap-On-Smile
5. Enamel Shaping and Contouring
6. Bridges
7. Braces
8. Clear Aligner Trays
9. Implants 

 

We here at Dr. Ku’s office want you to feel confident and thrive in your social and professional life. Inquire today at our Fort Worth office, and we’ll be more than happy to make your beautiful smile reflect how you truly feel on the inside!

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How to Set Slam-Dunk Resolutions

2018 is now upon us, which means most of us are still thinking about New Year’s resolutions. While most of us approach the new year with good intentions of sticking to our stated goals, the truth is that only 8% of Americans follow through with their resolutions each year! 

 

There’s a reason we set new goals each year: we’re terrible at accomplishing the resolution from the previous year. We want you to be successful, though, so we’ve laid out the top 10 resolutions from 2017 and will outline how you can be more successful in getting your 2018 goals checked off. 

 

Top Resolutions of 2017: 

 

1. Diet or “eat healthier”
2. Exercise
3. Lose weight
4. Save more; spend less
5. Learn a new skill
6. Quit smoking
7. Read more
8. Get a new job
9. Drink less
10. Spend more time with friends and family 

 

How to create meaningful resolutions  

 

If you choose to make a New Year’s resolution, it’s important that it’s both meaningful and personal. Achievable is born from these two qualities. Resolutions that stick require thought and a significant amount of introspection. 

 

Set aside some quiet time to think about what specific changes you would like to make in your life, and areas in the previous year that you would like to improve upon. If setting singular resolutions is too restrictive, consider setting a thematic goal for the year. Once you have your theme, think about specific areas in your life that you can alter to meet that goal. 

 

In addition, set goals that align with your values. Consider writing a mission statement for yourself to follow for the whole year. If your goals start slipping after some time, you can always go back to your mission statement for a “reset.”  

 

Sticking to your resolutions  

 

It’s unsurprising that the top three resolutions focus on diet and getting into better shape. After the holiday season—comprised of unhealthy foods and desserts—we are all ready for a reset. However, if we all stuck to our resolution from the previous year, we might not be in the situation where this has to be our number-one goal not met for the previous year. 

 

To be successful with health and wellness goals, it’s important to set specific, meaningful goals with milestones that can be accomplished along the way. It’s important that we are able celebrate small successes at every interval. This can act as a motivator. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the larger goal, set your sights on something smaller in the near future. That will help you overcome any adversity and struggles along the way. 

 

Lastly, be kind to yourself if you slip up. Don’t let one blunder become the downfall of the whole resolution. Mistakes happen, and life gets crazy. Don’t use these excuses as a reason to throw in the towel. Acknowledge the issue, and move on!  

 

Let’s get technical  

 

Although we don’t like to admit it, our phones are glued to us throughout the day. Every day, technology can actually help you commit to your resolutions and help you track your progress so that you remain motivated. Apps like Shine Text send motivational messages directly to your phone that can give you a boost of confidence and inspiration to achieve your goals. 

 

Particularly for fitness goals, technology can be a boon. Wearable fitness trackers can help you set daily goals and provide constant updates on how you’re doing. Short to reach your daily steps? Take the stairs, or park the car farther from your office entrance. These trackers will help you hit goals every day, and keep you motivated.  

 

Setting themes for the year or specific resolutions are a great way to begin 2018. It will help set the stage for the new year, and aid in adding direction to the days ahead. Choosing meaningful goals that align with your values will increase the likelihood of success. Remember: following these guidelines can make 2018 your most successful year yet! 

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Questions For The Best 2018 Resolutions

When you hit the end of December and look back over the past 365 days, it’s hard to remember all the little moments that shape the memories of the past year. While the extreme highs and lows remain seared in your mind, the smaller moments fade into the fray. 

 

While many people assume it is the big moments that shape the direction of your life for the year, the truth is that many times it’s the little moments—the “mundane” to many of us—that really define who we are. From how we react to the unexpected, to how we delicately balance the stressors of life, the previous year is made up on millions of these tiny moments. 

 

As we look to set goals and resolutions for the next year, it’s important to set aside time for introspective reflection. If you don’t ask yourself specific questions, it’s easy to wander off the course of life you had planned and end up somewhere you don’t want to be. So, we’ve curated a short list of questions to ask yourself as a guide for a more mindful and healthy new year.  

 

How do I use my time? 

 

Time is something we never seem to have enough of. Rushing through a day that is filled with drop-offs, a board meeting and cooking dinner, only to crash on the couch in a utter exhaustion, is not a way to promote a healthy lifestyle. Examine every part of your day. Is your job stimulating? Are you setting aside time for exercise and adequate sleep? Make a list of priorities and ensure the top of your list is accomplished each day. Make each moment count. This could mean saying “no” to more, or saying “yes” only to the most important things.  

 

What am I taking for granted? 

 

It can be easy to get wrapped up in the curveballs life throws. Whether it be losing a job or the passing of a family member, the valleys of life can overshadow the peaks. If you look back over 2017 and only feel sorrow or misfortune, try taking a step back to see the people or things that were there to support you in your lowest moments. It could be friends that provided meals or kept you company, or simply the reminder that you have a roof over your head and food on your table. Sometimes the things that keep us going are the same things we take for granted. Make a list of these things to remember them in more difficult times. 

 

How am I taking care of myself? 

 

The first step to self-improvement is ensuring you are taking care of yourself. You can’t expect to help others if you aren’t taking care of yourself, first. Think of the directions flight attendants give on an airplane: always put on your oxygen mask before helping those around you. Taking care of yourself can include removing unneeded stressors, ensuring you’re eating a healthy diet, and getting out to exercise and elevate your heart rate at least a few times a week. 

 

The biggest waste of effort is trying to change the course of things not in our control. Excess stress contributes to heart diseases, elevated blood pressure and weight gain. Create a resolution to let go of the aspects of life that cause undue anxiety.  

 

Are you achieving your goals? 

 

Before you even think about setting a resolution, ask yourself: are you achieving your goals?  

 

Throughout the year, it’s important to reflect on the previous months and conduct a mental progress report on how you’re doing. These periodic self-reflection sessions will allow you to take stock of your accomplishments and reset course if you’ve gone astray. Don’t let setbacks completely throw you off course. Reassessing the progress of your year will help you keep your resolutions in the new year. 

 

January brings about a sense of newness that inspires change and self-improvement. Don’t squander the new year by lack of preparation or resolutions that are made in haste. Practice introspection and targeted goal setting to make 2018 the best year yet!

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