For the first column of 2013, I thought it would be nice to highlight books and readings for those of you who are tackling New Year’s resolutions. Looking to get fit? Eat healthier? Increase your personal fulfillment? These sources will introduce you to new forms of exercise and activities, give you better recipes, and explain why resolutions are so difficult to keep!
On Your Kindle
The Myths of Happiness, by Sonja Lyubomirsky
In this brand new book, psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky examines what makes us happy and why our expectations about fulfillment often lead us astray. Why do we need help? Because researchers are discovering that we’re often wrong about what we need to be more content.
As she told the New York Times in December, “Science shows, however, that high expectations are frequently both erroneous and toxic… Researchers have found that everyday annoyances can be harder on us than calamities and that daily delights have a bigger impact on our well-being than more than major events.” With a little help from researchers, you can craft your resolutions to maximize on these findings. Resolve to be happier in 2013!
On Your Smartphone
“Why Is It So Damn Hard to Change?” by Rebecca Skloot
Ever wonder why it’s so difficult to change your bad habits? Science writer Rebecca Skloot interviews neuroscientists and researchers to discover exactly why we’re tempted by chocolate and we dodge those morning runs. Skloot is best known as the author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, a moving and meticulously researched investigation into the real-life woman behind the HeLa cells used in labs all over the world. In this funny article, she’ll show you how to change your lifestyle for the better!
On a Podcast
Interested in getting your stretch on in 2013? Learn new yoga poses with CorePower’s video podcasts. These videos demonstrate proper alignment and technique for yoga poses, also known as “asanas” in Sanskrit. Being able to see poses is a great thing, as movement-based directions can be difficult to convey in print resources. Looking for other kinds of exercise tips? Try the health and fitness website FitSugar, which includes all kinds of exercise videos and healthier meal hints.
Old School
Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook
Weight Watchers is regularly described as an easy-to-follow, healthy weight loss program that participants can safely maintain over time—no banned foods, meal replacements, or expensive supplements. So if you’re looking to create a healthier diet—or you vowed to do more at-home cooking this year, and want a place to start—look to this updated cookbook for more than 500 recipes and information on cooking basics.
