SOMA Living February 2024

WELLNESS WISDOM As the new year commences, our focus shifts towards personal improvement. However, many of us lack guidance on how to effectively pursue transformation. While the desire for change is strong, the path forward often remains unclear. Do you recognize this pattern? You begin the year eager for change, only to overcome by procrastination and overwhelm, leading to feelings of failure. Although this is a common cycle, it’s one that can be conquered. The key to breaking this cycle lies in reframing our goals. Instead of monumental objectives, concentrate on incremental action steps. For instance, strive to walk for 15 minutes a day, four times a week, rather than setting a vague goal like losing 10 pounds. This approach makes your goals feel more attainable and less daunting. NEED HELP GETTING UNSTUCK?

Establish a Long-Term Behavior Goal: Target a 3-6 month period; this timeframe has proven most effective for lasting change. Outline Daily Steps: Take one or two small daily actions toward your goal. Even minor steps can lead to significant progress over time. Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of support. A coach can be invaluable in clarifying where to begin, what to focus on, and the next steps to take. Change requires time and effort, but with the right mindset, you can transform your aspirations into reality!

Liz Frydman, RYT-200, CLC, CWPC Wellness Coach liz@lizcoaches.com @lizcoaches

To aid your journey, consider these strategies:

Liz, founder of Liz Coaches, guides busy parents and professionals from procrastination to progress with effective self-care solutions, helping them focus on what matters most for a fulfilling life. Based in her hometown of Maplewood at YourThird Base, 1585 Springfield Ave, Liz invites you to start thriving by visiting www.lizcoaches.com to schedule a free discovery call.

Select a Focus Area: Choose one aspect of wellness to enhance, such as sleep, stress, career, relationships, nutrition, or movement.

VALENTINE’S DAY GREETINGS Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14. Did you know that in addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia? In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to gain popularity, celebrated in the 17th century. The tradition includes exchanging candy, flowers, and gifts between loved ones - all in the name of St. Valentine, the patron saint of love, marriage and happy endings. By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By 1900 printed cards replaced written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions at a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings. Americans began exchanging hand-made valentines cards in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines cards in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures known as “scrapy.” According to the Greeting Card Association, Americans send an estimated 145 million Valentine’s Day cards each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas.

FEBRUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 29

@somalivingmagazine