The One Week Plan
by Catherine L. Tully

Forget all of those plans that say you will feel better in 4 weeks, 6 weeks or 8 weeks. Follow this one week plan, and you can feel better today! Each day focuses on an aspect of health and well-being, and there is enough variety to keep things interesting. You can keep your body moving, relieve stress and have some fun too!

Day 1: Mighty Monday

Go for an uplifting power walk! Put some headphones on and head out the door for a half-hour walk at a good speed. Pick some music that motivates you, and walk to the beat. When you get home, tackle one task that you have been avoiding while you have some energy from the exercise bout!

Reward: Buy yourself a nail polish in a new color. Go home, do your nails, and munch on frozen grapes for a candy-like treat!

Day 2: Time-out Tuesday

Set aside fifteen minutes of your day to stretch. Put on some relaxing music, and relax. Don't forget to breathe deeply as you let your muscles unwind.

Reward: Soak in a bubble bath, moisturize your entire body and wrap up in a cotton robe or pajamas. Call a friend you haven't seen in a while and catch up.

Day 3: Weight Lift Wednesday

Stop at a bookstore and buy a fitness magazine that has a workout with weights that you would like to try. When you get home, spend at least a half-hour working your muscles hard! Make sure to pay attention to proper form.

Reward: Brew some fresh herbal iced tea, (peppermint is a yummy choice) kick back, and watch a little television. (If you are still feeling motivated, do some sit-ups during the commercials!)

Day 4: Train Your Mind Thursday

Keep your mind sharp by challenging it in different ways. Work a crossword puzzle, brain-teaser or logic\ puzzle for at least a half hour.

Reward: Now for some mindless fun! Catch up on your e-mail, or write in your journal. Let your creative side take over. Have fun with it!

Day 5: Funny Friday

Rent a hilarious movie and have some friends over. Humor is healthy!

Reward: (That isn't reward enough?) Have a sleepover with a pal or the kids. Air pop some popcorn, have some laughs and stay up late!

Day 6: Scenic Saturday

Call a friend and go for a drive somewhere that has terrific scenery. Park the car and hike for a half hour. (Don't forget sunscreen!)

Reward: Take a healthy picnic lunch along to eat at a scenic spot. Bring a camera for pictures!

Day 7: Setup Sunday

Take some of the stress out of the next week by doing a little work ahead of time. Pick your clothes out for each day. This should save 5 minutes each morning that you can spend resting instead-a great way to start the day!

Reward: Go to bed early and curl up with a good book. A great finish to a great week!

Of course you don't have to limit yourself to only one week of this plan. Use it to recharge your batteries whenever you need a lift! Enjoy!