This year the DePalo Law Firm Newsletter will be devoted to self-care – 2024 will be a year of advice on how to become the best version of yourself through self-care, and self-improvement. We will also continue to empower you with legal information to use in your life.  The goal is to improve your quality of life.

January is a time of resolutions.  This month’s resolution for our first newsletter of the year is like many others’ resolution for this month and that is to exercise.  Now I am not talking about the exercise that you need a gym membership for or employing a personal trainer or a comprehensive fitness program, although more power to you if you go that route.  No, instead you will be able to keep this resolution by simply thinking of exercising as movement – any type of movement. If you look at exercise in this way it is not as daunting.

What are some ways we can move? Here are a few suggestions:  Walking, jogging, dancing, bike riding, walking or running on a treadmill, swimming, aerobic exercise, basketball, soccer, softball, jump rope, pilates, yoga, walk your dog or play with your cat. Need more ideas check out YouTube for some aerobic routines at all fitness levels. There are even a YouTube exercise videos about hula and belly dancing.

The idea is setting aside time to focus and get in touch with your body.  If you can also combine it with being outdoors all the better.  Fresh air and daylight does wonders for your mood and physical health. Why exercise? There are a number of benefits:

1.  It’s a mood elevator;

2.  It raises your metabolism and burns calories;

3.  It clears your mind;

4.  Longevity;

5.  Helps keep you from aging;

6.  Raises your immune system;

7.  Gives you strength and better balance.

How can you get exercise in your daily life?  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Park your car further away so you have a walk to your home or work.  The key to success is planning the night before or in the morning, what you will do and when.  For me, the morning is the best time.  Unless I have time during the day to go walking or hiking, which is usually only on weekends or when I am off from work.

Here is the challenge for January: Set aside time every day, at least 15 minutes, to do some type of exercise.  Eventually the goal will be to get to 30 minutes per day. Good luck and let me know how you do.