What better time to get healthy than with 12 fresh months of a New Year? In 2012 it’s time to take care of your body and your mind in the easiest and most entertaining way yet. Try out some of these simple INstride tips with advice from local health and wellness experts.

Yoga/pilates or meditation

Worried about stress in the incoming year? Yoga and pilates are an ideal way to keep a relaxed mind and a strong, flexible body.

Currently researching spiritual health, Ruth Engs, an Indiana University health specialist, says that, “Rhythmic song, dance, meditation or prayer can elicit the relaxation response. The relaxation response, in turn, reduces heart rate, blood pressure, etc., thus being an aspect of a healthier lifestyle.”

Mary Lou Bewley, a pilates instructor for five years at Indiana University Student Recreation Sports Center, stresses that pilates is not just about the body, but also about the mind, “Pilates is a mind-body discipline—the mind is the coach and the muscles in your body are your team.”

Volunteer

Though this doesn’t sound like a way to keep your body healthy, it sure is a great way to wake up the mind. Mental health is just as important, too! There are many agencies that need extra hands, especially in the winter, and you won’t only be helping others, you will be helping yourself as well. There is nothing like a volunteering high. For more information you can go to bloomington.in.gov/volunteer or www.indiana.edu/~uconnect/vlntr

Get out and about

The winter can create a muddled mind, especially when you hide in your house frying in front of the fire. Whether it’s a walk in the park or even visiting a museum, getting out of your warm, cozy living room is the best way to get out of that frustrating winter rut. Engs suggests going to the IU tropical greenhouse, to the Lilly Library, or to the gym if you’re looking to stay inside.

Stacey Matavuli, a dietitian with IU Health Bloomington, encourages exercise as a way to battle overeating habits. Fresh air is perfect to keep the mind off of snacking.

Change bad eating habits

This one may seem like a given and obviously it’s easier said than done, but we’ve got a few experts to help you get there. Bad habits can range from eating at restaurants too often, stress-eating or skipping meals to make up for bigger ones.

Engs advice is, “Going on a yo-yo diet does not help and is not a good New Year’s resolution to make. A change in lifestyle that balances various aspects of life includes well-rounded meals, exercise, socializing, and relaxation during the day. It is the most sensible direction for a healthy lifestyle in the winter and to get out of the winter blues and blahs.”

Matavuli says, “It’s easier for people to focus on what they can include as opposed to what needs to be excluded.”

Be realistic

Don’t get your hopes too high too soon. Patience is key when trying to stay healthy and results may be gradual for some. But the result is worth it. This also involves the amount of resolutions you make this year. With too many, you’ll be producing the opposite effect: unneeded worry in your daily life. Realism in other walks of life can even help with eating habits.

Matavuli elaborates, “The best way to avoid stress eating is to manage your stress by planning well and not overwhelming yourself with too many commitments or obligations.”

Take time for yourself

It’s hard to remember you have a life when you are constantly working, studying, or caring for others. Every so often, stop and take time out of your day to do something you enjoy. Spending more time alone also teaches individuals about how their body functions and reacts to outside influence, for example.

“Getting to know yourself and your personal limits well plays a positive role in knowing what is realistic and doable without overdoing it,” Matavuli explains.

Read

For some, this is a given part of every evening, especially in the winter. Many individuals, however, don’t read frequently, or haven’t read a book since “Amelia Bedelia.” Reading an enthralling novel can be a quick-fix to a gray day. If you don’t know what to read, go to your local library or favorite book store, or try nytimes.com/pages/books/index.html for help.

Trust your motivation instincts

The greatest tip that will lead to the success of all the others is to have confidence in yourself. Don’t let your own insecurities get in the way of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Bloomington High School South gym teacher, Marci Volz, has heard every excuse for not exercising from “it makes me itch” to “people will look at me funny,” but true motivation is easy to come by. She says that working out with friends and changing up workouts will help get individuals going.

“Now is the time to make a commitment to yourself and your body: sign up for a class and incorporate it in your schedule,” encourages Bewley. “My favorite Joseph Pilates quote: ‘Physical fitness can neither be achieved through wishful thinking nor outright purchase.’”

Drink

This covers a wide spectrum of possibilities. The most important beverage when it comes to hydration, though, is and always will be water. Water is a way to flush out unwanted toxins and even hydrate skin, making it an easy way to feel and look healthy. Choose water with meals rather than juice, milk or wine. Speaking of wine, though, alcohol is not an unhealthy drink to have every day; rather, it is proven that those who drink in moderation are healthier and live longer.

“With a few exceptions, moderate alcohol intake among women (one to two drinks per day), is associated with a reduction in overall mortality,” Engs explains. This goes for men as well, but a moderate intake is two to three drinks for them.

Use your friends

This sounds a bit malevolent, but it means using your friends and family in the best possible way. Use them as New Year resolution buddies to help you complete all your goals. Don’t get too competitive, but a bit of friendly rivalry rarely hurts and what’s better than someone to exercise with?

Volz says students are motivated to exercise when they are with friends. “Many students like to keep in shape, but may not currently have access to a group exercise program or a sports team connection, so they are taking advantage of time during the school day to do something good for themselves while having fun with friends!” That can work with adults, too.