As an educator, you’re probably already goal-oriented. You create lesson plans, help students achieve set objectives and ultimately see results with their test scores. What if you approached your personal life the same way—by creating your personal to-do list for 2010? Sure, resolutions can be tough to implement (especially when they’re not specific), but they also offer a new beginning.

“When a new year comes, any bad habits or unfortunate setbacks seem to be erased and the slate is clean once again,” says Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association based in Sarasota, Florida. So with your clean slate and the New Year clock officially ticking, here are some resolution ideas for living life more fully in 2010. 

1. Create a To-Do List for 2010. You probably already have a daily list of activities and tasks—things you need to do to keep your life on track. Why not create a list of to-dos for 2010? “Having clear-cut and authentic goals is one of the hallmarks of a happy person,” says Caroline Miller, MAPP, positive psychology and goal-setting specialist and author of several books, including Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide (Sterling, January 2009). “You should always have your own list to turn to, live by and be inspired by if you are going to make the most of the time allotted to you in this life.” The first step: Create goals that are meaningful to you. “Everyone has a set of unique dreams locked inside of them, and letting them out into a safe environment is often the first and most important step towards being successful,” says Miller. So whether you want to go skydiving or run the 50-yard dash, get it down on paper, post it on your bulletin board for inspiration and try to make it happen before the year is out.

2. Meditation. Since you spend most of your time in a noisy classroom bustling with activity, carving out just 10 minutes of quiet time each day can be just what you need to recharge your day. “Whether you call it meditation, quiet time, reflection, prayer or any other name, taking time out to recharge allows a person to focus, re-center and gain endocrine and neurochemical benefits that improve blood pressure, immunity, cortisol regulation and well-being,” says Gerbstadt. Hate to meditate? Listen to a guided imagery CD just before bed. Guided imagery takes your mind on a mini-vacation so your body can experience the benefits. Even as little as 10 minutes of imagery can lower blood pressure, ease muscle tension, improve heart health, release concerns and boost the immune system—all while you’re snoozing through the CD track.

3. Exercise. Amongst running errands, attending late night meetings and trying to unwind after a stressful workday, finding time to exercise can be quite a challenge. But this news might help get you moving: Experts claim that being unfit is as great a health risk as smoking cigarettes. Regular exercise has been shown to help prevent major disease, enhance health and release feel good neurotransmitters in the brain that can improve your mood. We’re not suggesting that you implement a rigorous regime complete with 2 workouts a day, 5 days a week. We’re just encouraging you to find ways to incorporate activity into your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from the grocery store entrance and hoofing it to the corner store. 

4. Boost fruit and vegetable intake. We all know fruits and vegetables are good for us, and yet most of us aren’t getting enough. “Teachers face an army of germs every day and they need to fight back with the strongest immunity possible,” says Gerbstadt—and that strong defense comes from eating fruits and vegetables. This year we challenge you to strive for 10 servings a day. Eating a sandwich? Load it up with romaine, tomatoes, onion and avocado, along with your turkey or roast beef. Making a casserole or some pasta? Throw some spinach or broccoli into the recipe. Craving a snack? Buy ready-to-eat produce in plastic containers or bags and keep it on hand, place a basket of fruit on your desk, or you can even make your own vegetable smoothies, suggests Gerbstadt. Just don’t drink them out of a can. “The point is to see the real thing in your blender or juicer before you turn on the switch.”

5. Make time for play. In today’s time-strapped society, it can be tough to find time for R&R, much less really playing the way school kids do. “Play is highly correlated with happiness,” says Miller. “The teacher who doesn’t play isn’t going to be able to help the children play—there has to be some kind of role-modeling.” Her suggestion: Make play part of your every day routine—like brushing your teeth. And while you’re playing, make sure to laugh. Studies show that people who laugh a lot are better equipped to handle stressful life events. So go to a comedy club, see a funny movie or spend time with someone who makes you laugh. Life’s a whole lot sweeter when you’re having fun!

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