NEW YEAR RESOLVE – Grow New Brain Cells

By Jessica G. Fallon, ADAC Spinning Instructor

Its official: the holiday gauntlet is behind us. Although it’s a brand new year, its back to the same old grind: clients, deadlines, billable hours, student loans and all of the other assorted perks that come with being an attorney. Before the stress of the day-to-day catches up with you quicker than those holiday credit card bills, consider making the time this year to focus on yourself; or more specifically, your health.

I know what you’re thinking. “Here we go again. Another exercise junkie with too much time on her hands, trying to tell me how exercise will change my life.” Well, rather than rolling your eyes and simultaneously dismissing the thought of making health and fitness your New Years’ Resolution, consider this:

· Just 10 minutes of aerobic activity can increase you energy levels for up to four hours. Falling asleep drafting that statute of limitations argument? Take a quick walk!

· Exercise boosts blood flow to the area of the brain responsible for memory and may actually grow new brain cells. Studies have shown that even moderate exercise can improve the memory. Now what was the name of that case you wanted to drop to the Judge?

· Exercise is the all natural way to decrease stress because when you engage in physical activity your body releases serotonin and endorphins – the chemicals that make you feel good both mentally and physically. Is there anyone who couldn’t use a free stress reliever?

· Exercise helps you get a good nights sleep. Combined with the calming effect on your nerves, a quick workout is exactly what you need the day before trial or closing that big deal.

We’re not talking giant life changes here people. Start small. All it takes is twenty to forty minutes on most days of the week to obtain these types of health benefits. And it doesn’t have to be all at once. Take a ten minute walk before breakfast, a ten minute walk on your lunch break, and a ten minute walk after dinner, and you are well on your way.

There are few simple ways to get into the swing of things. The cheapest and easiest thing to do is grab your iPod, friend, spouse, kids or dog and take a walk. You’ll get your body moving and spend time with loved ones. It doesn’t get much better than multitasking at something besides email, phone calls, motion practice and billable hours.

You could also consider checking out a local health club. Most offer one to two week trial passes so you can use the facility for free. Group exercise classes are a great way to get your cardio and strength training when you are new to exercise. There will be an instructor there to tell you exactly what to do and many people there to suffer through it with you.

If you are not ready to invest the time and money in a gym membership, there are many options for squeezing a fun and effective workout in at home. Many cable companies provide FitTV and FitTV on demand, which offers mini workouts in all forms and for all fitness levels. You can also rent exercise DVDs from your local library, Netflix, or your favorite movie rental spot. All you have to do is move your coffee table out of the way and turn on your TV. That is very little commitment with a big payoff!

Finally, consider signing up for a charity run or walk. You will reap the benefits of physical activity and social camaraderie while donating time and money to a worthy cause. To find an event in your area, you can visit websites such aswww.runohio.com, www.ohiorunner.com, orwww.premierraces.com.

Whatever you do, do not consider making time for exercise and a healthy meal just one more thing you can’t possibly squeeze onto your plate. Consider your health-physical, mental, and emotional-your plate. Without it, you will not be able to effectively pile on and maintain all of the things that fuel your personal and professional life. So, MAKE THE TIME. Your family will thank you, your co-workers will thank you, your clients will thank you. But most of all, you will thank yourself.