Mclovin’s New Year’s Resolutions
Corey was one of my best friends growing up. He was a crazy pothead. His room was so cliché. He had every Grateful Dead live show lined up on his wall, tie-dyed tapestries, Etch A Sketch, two lava lamps and a thick shag carpet that smelled like old bong water and an abundant layer of smoke. The second you entered his room you were automatically high. You had no choice. His room was like a 1982 T-top hotbox Camaro.
He was The Dude, the Spicoli, the Cheech, the Mclovin of my high school. He'd have one joint in his mouth, then light his bong and take another hit while quickly coming back to his joint to chase the last hit. I would have died on the spot.
I remember when we took the SATs. I went to sleep early, ate two eggs, had two No. 2 pencils sharpened, wore comfortable clothes and made sure to get an early start so I wouldn't be rushed. I went to pick up Corey and he was still sleeping. Corey, you have to get up, we’re taking the SATs. He slowly got up and then asked if I wanted to wake and bake. I explained to Corey that not only did I not want to wake and bake (I would have scored a 300 while eating 200 Twinkies) but I didn't want to be in his crack house room with him for another moment. I could feel my brain cells deteriorating by the second. I told him to meet me in the car. I took Corey to the exam and let him borrow my extra No. 2 pencil. When we got the results two weeks later, Mclovin had a perfect score. There was nothing more frustrating!
I used to think New Year’s resolutions didn't make sense but now that I'm old I think they are a great way to keep ourselves accountable. When you’re young you can get away with bad choices (ie Corey) but when we get older each bad choice can play havoc on our bodies.
I always tell my patients health is all about consistency. Four things I want to focus on in regards to my health (and I hope you’ll do this too) are finding a state of calm, hydration, movement and receive more acupuncture. I know the last one sounds silly but making time for myself is really important and putting down my guard and letting others treat me is essential.
I don't care if it’s a meditation app, a meditation class, Peloton meditation or YouTube meditation but find a space where you can be in touch with yourself. Carving out time each day to meditate is really important. When you can’t meditate in the morning, relax your mind and shift to calm by taking 3 full, complete, conscious breaths before you go full force into your day. Also, nature is amazing for downshifting our nervous system. Any opportunity to walk through the park, among the trees and nature, do it. Life seems to get crazier and crazier every day but taking a breath to find a calm space is essential.
Do something physical every day. It can be yoga, stretching, working out at the gym, but just being consistent with your workouts will help your mind, body and soul. Yes, movement increases strength, heart health, reduces inflammation, improves metabolism and boosts your immune functions, but just as important, your muscles release “hope molecules” (myokines) which act like natural anti-depressants, improving your mood and resilience to stress. Who on the planet Earth doesn’t need that..?
Hydrate. I know we all hear it everyday but drinking water is a huge key to a healthy system. Not only for your skin but your bowels, circulation, brain function and immune system. The simple act of staying hydrated regulates stress hormones, prevents fatigue and stabilizes and improves your mood (by aiding neurotransmitters).
That said, drinking a lot of water doesn’t necessarily mean your cells are being hydrated. The key is to pace yourself. Yes to drinking water throughout the day, no to downing your big Hydro Flask in a panic at the end of the day. If your water is low in minerals (reverse osmosis, distilled etc), you may need to add a pinch of sea salt to your first glass of water in the morning and even your post-workout water, since we lose electrolytes through sweat.
When you think of acupuncture, think about balancing both emotionally and physically. Don’t just do acupuncture when you’re falling apart, do it to keep your system in a good place. Let acupuncture guide your body so you can feel calm and be more in touch with your mind and body. It will give your system a chance to establish a healthier homeostasis and give you a chance to relax and be present. For a lot of you, this is your only time in the week when your body and mind truly relax. For me, those 25 minutes when I’m on the table and the needles are in, are essential for helping me find balance.
Corey was consistent with his bong but Corey was no McLovin. It took good old Corey 7 years to get through college. Whether we like it or not, what we choose to be consistent with matters. Find consistency in your health and set your health goals for the new year.