V- is for Vigor: Get out there and exercise three times a week, even if it’s just walking. Get off the couch and start moving. Exercise lowers blood pressure, decreases bad cholesterol, burns calories, adds muscle, and increases bone strength. (See your doctor before beginning a new exercise program)

A - Acceptance: Accept others for who they are. You can’t change them, so change your attitude towards them so that you can learn to be happy around them. Who knows–your acceptance may be all it needs for them to make changes. 

L - is for Laughter:  Spend time laughing with family and friends.  Laughing increases the “feel good” hormone in your brain which improves your overall well-being. It also makes those around you feel better. 

E - Eat breakfast: Breakfast jump starts your day. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It gives you energy to start your day and is linked to many healthy benefits. A good healthy breakfast has been shown to improve weight control, improve concentration in the classroom and the boardroom, provide energy for physical activity, and improve overall intake of nutrients and vitamins.

N - Neatness: Hmmm. Some people don’t like to hear that one, but being organized can help you function better in your home and at work. 

1. You can better manage your time and prioritize your daily chores. These things tend to fall into place when working within deadlines and limits.
2. It will reduce clutter. We can start to get rid of “stuff” and keep the things that are needed and quit accumulating more clutter.
3. It will help you set and achieve personal goals. Make lists of the things you have to do and the things you want to do. As each day passes, you will be closer to your goals.
4. You will learn to focus on the big picture; making sure you have room in your life for the important things that really matter to you.

T - is for Time Management:  Work on finding a balance between your work and home life. In the age of smart phones and laptops, people are working longer hours than ever before often without even realizing it. Do you answer your phone at the dinner table? Check your work email while sitting with your family? Stop that.

I - Interest: Find things that interest you and stimulate your mind. This can be a new hobby such as reading, painting, music, taking a new class, etc…the options are endless. The more interested you become in increasing your thinking power, the more interesting you become.

N - Nurture: Nurture yourself, so you can do the same for others. If you are in the midst of a crisis, take some time out and spend it nurturing yourself. Get a massage, a facial, a manicure, a haircut, relax in the park with a book, meet up with an old friend, or anything that helps you to relax...Remind yourself that underneath all that stress you are a person. Treat yourself. When was the last time you nurtured yourself? It makes a difference in how you are able to nurture others.

E - Enjoy life to the fullest: Make the most of each day. Notice life going on around you. Spend some time in it. Whether you’re headed to work or at home with your family–what can you do to make this the best day possible? If you approach each day with this attitude, it becomes infectious and others want to have the joy that you have.

Make a difference in your own life, become your own best Valentine!

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Gale Dering is the Clinic Manager for the Methodist Minor Medical Center on Hacks Cross Road. All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. Call 888.777.5959 for more information.