52 Small Changes - One Year to a Happier, Healthier You

Once again as I was checking in books, I came across one that I checked in and then check out for myself.  Fifty-two small changes seemed doable.

52 Small Changes - One Year to a Happier, Healthier You by Brett Blumenthal did not contain any new, earth-shattering information.  What it did do was to break down, in manageable chunks, what I needed to be doing.

I have always been on the dehydrated side and now that I am in Montana which has a very dry climate, I really need to be drinking more water and that's what this book opened up on - drinking water.  So obviously I was on the right path.

Each week is broken down with what the week will focus on, or "The Change".  It includes a "Roadmap for Success" or how to best incorporate the lesson of the week into your life.  There are step by step instructions on how to go about the lesson of the week and hints and suggestions to make it easier to do so.  At the end of each week there is a "Extra Credit" section if you are already doing the thing of the week to take it to the next level.  The chapter closes with a Weekly Change Checklist so you can see where you are with making the changes.

Like I said, there is nothing earth-shattering in the book, but what I liked about it was that it was broken down in nice, neat chunks.  Instead of saying "eat better", you start off one week with starting to keep a food journal.  Then a couple of weeks later, incorporating more vegetables into your eating habits.  A couple of weeks later, more grains.  So you aren't thrown a huge overhaul at one time, but gradually making your way toward the ultimate goal of eating better and thus, as you get to Week 43, Practicing Mindful Eating.

Another thing which I found good about the book was when Blumenthal talked about stretching or strengthening your core muscles, simple illustrated exercises were included.  You weren't just left hanging on finding your own exercises.

The last chapter, or Week 52, was a bit of a surprise after all the other weeks, but it was a great culmination for the book - "Find Your Own Spirituality".  Blumenthal does not advocate any particular religion, but rather finding what gives you peace and connects you to that higher plane.

I have taken notes and will probably check the book out again from the library (or several times).  Breaking things down into small chunks like this fits in well with setting daily and weekly intentions on where I want to go and what I want to do.  

So off to fill up the water jug for the day!