When we turned the page to a new year, I felt the need for a fresh start. I wanted to let go of last year’s indulgences and embrace practices I know are supportive of good health and longevity.

Beyond getting out and walking, I have found some helpful guides for the journey, reminding me to bend and stretch, strengthen and grow strong. These include:

• End Everyday Pain for 50+: A 10-minute-a-day Program of Stretching, Strengthening and Movement to Break the Grip of Pain by Joseph Tieri

• 5-minute Core Exercises for Seniors: Daily Routines to Build Balance and Boost Confidence by Cindy Brehse

• 6-minute Fitness at 60+: Simple Home Exercises to Reclaim Strength, Balance, and Energy in 15 Days by Jonathan Su.

You can tell I like those quick and efficient workouts. I figure any time I spend is a few minutes in the right direction! Once I start, it is so much easier to continue, whether I am by myself, watching online or in a class. I’m also a fan of Peggy Cappy’s videos, as seen on PBS… the King County Library System (KCLS) has her DVD’s and streaming services free, via Access Video on http://www.kcls.org. Peggy’s gentle voice and movements are so helpful in prompting me to get off the couch. She has real people with real issues in her on-screen classes, making them relatable to the average person.

I have discovered that if something is “just a habit” for me, I am much more successful. I do not debate brushing my teeth or wearing my seatbelt; they are habits I perform automatically. One source that has helped me with that is James Clear’s Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. We can build sustainable habits brick by brick, by focusing on small steps.

Another health practice that is getting a lot of press these days is intermittent fasting. The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-day, and Extended Fasting by Jason Fung brings together the science and lifestyle changes involved in this flexible health practice.

Make changes clear and simple, and they are more likely to be sustainable. Our habits build the structure for a healthy, long life.

Whatever your inclinations might be, from dancing to yoga to fasting and eating healthy, check out the supportive resources at your Library. We are here for you!

Wendy Pender is the Older Adults Program Coordinator, King County Library System