We are busy people and the load isn’t getting any lighter – unless we lighten it. So let’s be real. We cannot, will not change everything to improve our condition, but we can make four changes that have the potential to makeover life as we know it. Follow these small steps (only one a week) for the next month and you may find yourself in the Zen place you crave.

Week one starts with a doozy, but you can do it and the results will fuel you on to complete your life makeover. It’s the D word. Diet. But don’t go running, we promised simple and we deliver. Instead of jumping on yet another diet fad, simply rethink your approach to eating. Even healthy eaters want to see improvements in their body. Begin by cutting serving sizes to reasonable amounts. If you have the will power, only eat half of what’s served in restaurants. If you’re like most of us who love to finish our plate, ask for a to-go container when your food arrives. For dinners at home, simply prepare less and/or serve meals on smaller plates. As soon as you’re done eating, brush your teeth or chew sugar free gum. Fresh breath reduces the temptation to continue to pick at leftovers. You know you’re done when you stop eating and take a deep breath. That’s your body’s internal signal that you’ve had enough. At the end of week one you feel better and you may have dropped a pound or two.

Week two continues your healthy eating and adds one minute bursts to your exercise routine. By adding intensity to your workout, you burn many more calories and increase your brain’s drive to continue. These bursts can be anything from running faster on your jog, to jumping jacks to dancing. If you don’t have a workout routine, start slow with light weights and low repetitions of activities you enjoy. After a week of exercise, add the one minute bursts. By week two your body and your brain can begin functioning in good health.

Week three is stress awareness week. As you continue to eat well and add one minute bursts to your exercise routine, become aware of how your body reacts to stress. If you find yourself gripping the steering wheel in traffic, relax. If your shoulders are touching your earlobes during staff meetings, relax. Be aware of your thoughts. Repeated thoughts about how much you dislike or fear something may be stress indicators. When you feel stressed, breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose. Exhale through your mouth. To prevent stress, take 12 deep breaths every two hours. By the end of week three you are feeling and looking healthier. Stress reduction is improving your personal life and your relationships.

Week four gets organized. Make time to tackle the projects, big and small, that continue to nag at you. Unpack those boxes. Organize your closet. Whatever it is that keeps your mind from resting, finish it. If your mind isn’t at rest, then your body can’t be at rest. By the end of week four you can feel like a whole new you. Your body image has improved. You’re feeling better than ever, and you’re resting better than ever. You may even find you have some spare time on your hands.

Continue this new routine and add in a healthy dose of thankfulness for what you have and who you are. When we overlook the good, we focus on the negative. That’s no way to live! Enjoy your makeover; it’s now a lifestyle.

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