Also, cut out all junk food, wheat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, peanuts, citrus, red meat and bad fats for two weeks after which you slowly introduce the items one at a time and gauge your reaction to them to see if you have a sensitivity.

Not easy, but not impossible either and you will be amazed at the energy you will gain.

I like the idea of getting the yearly “physical”. About 15 months ago I went to my GP for a routine prescription and was asked about my heart. It turns out that I have a mitral valve prolapse (at this stage I’m looking at surgery in 4 or 5 years).

The heart valve issue is one of the reasons for my reduced energy levels – I simply don’t get as much oxygen flowing around the system as I otherwise would. The interim solution is not more sleep (although the lack of oxygen can lead to narcolepsy in advanced cases) but more oxygen in one’s environment. Hence I now have a little fan (on my bedside drawers chest) that is directed at my pillow to give me better air circulation while I sleep. It’s small enough that doesn’t really reach DH to disturb him.

I work with a lot of sleep psychologists, and they suggest removing all electronics from the bedroom – don’t charge your cell phone or computer in the bedroom, turn the alarm clock backwards, etc. These all help to create higher quality sleep. Happy sleeping!

I get enough sleep (about 7 hrs), but my main problem is not being able to wake up when the alarm goes off. I don’t just snooze — I completely sleep through the alarm. It starts going off at 6 am, but I don’t actually hear it until 7:30.

I apparently need an alarm clock that shoots water at my face!

LOVE the blog and good luck with your resolutions! You seem to be off to a strong start. Will you be checking in with us on a regular basis to update us on your progress?

The thing is, I always knew this was a good idea, didn’t do it but I’m finally acting on it.

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On eating right, do to a medical condition I have, I have been forced to eat more balanced/healthy meals, take vitamins, avoid fast food, and (the hard one) give up Chocolate!!! BUT it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me.

I eat right and I feel great. In fact people at work are commenting that I seem to be a little too hyper lately. By about 2pm I would be falling asleep at my desk but now I feel at the end of the work day like I did around 10am. I have so much energy now.

Of course I HAD to make the change but people should really try and eat healthy for at least a month. The best thing is if you don’t like it after 30 days there is a McDonald’s on almost every corner.