On New Year's Eve, the obvious and predictable health message - alternative or otherwise - would be a warning on the perils of over-consumption, or at least how to cope with the aftermath if you do have one (or many more) too many.

 

Well, you'll not get that from me.

 

Sure, I'm a natural health practitioner and writer, well placed to give you a lecture on the evils of over-indulgence to start 2006, but what would be the point?

 

As far as I am concerned, there's a big problem deep at the heart of so-called health promotion. And it may explain why only a minority of people are truly interested in living a seriously healthy lifestyle, whilst the rest of the population just look the other way and hope for the best.

 

Having thought at length about this, I'd say the failure of health promotion comes down to the most basic principles of human psychology. You see, as long as the overwhelming bias of the health information we receive is negative - telling us what we shouldn't do, what we should avoid and how bad or inadequate we are - we will turn away and leave it to luck.

 

After all, there's only so much lecturing and pontificating any of us can take, before we say "stuff it" and continue in our own and old sweet way. Isn't that why so many health fads, including diets, detox's and gym memberships rarely make it into next week - even if they are started with the best of intentions at this time of year?

 

So how should health professionals best present their knowledge such that it's positively received and acted upon for the long-term?

 

If it's all about basic human psychology, then perhaps it's time - as the old song goes - to eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive.

 

The logic here is that whatever we find pleasurable, we do. And conversely, whatever we find painful we avoid. That's not rocket science.

 

What does get closer to aeronautical engineering, is the reason why we continue to do things - that are demonstrably bad for us, such as smoking and drinking to excess - if pain, in the form of cancer or cirrhosis, is truly a de-motivating force.

 

Truth is, neither smoking nor drinking is rarely painful enough in the short-term, to influence behaviour in the long-term; look no further than the late George Best for an example of the live now, pay later approach.

 

So when it comes to moderating habits as powerful as these, they must be replaced

and usurped by something even more pleasurable, because no amount of lectures, health warnings and shocking advertising seems to be doing the trick.

 

It seems the pursuit of pleasure will always out-run the urge to do the 'right thing', as Christmas has just amply demonstrated: "Oh go on then, I'll just have a little bit more - it is Christmas after all."

 

And why not? Life is for loving and living.

 

I doubt any of us will say: "I wish I hadn't had that extra helping of Christmas pud back in 2006" on our deathbeds. I certainly hope not.

 

So let's lose the lectures, the doom-mongers and the scare stories in favour of a lifestyle that is a healthy and hearty contribution to our sense of being alive. Let's undermine the patterns that we know in our hearts don't serve us and adopt healthy habits that enhance and affirm how good it is to be on this earth.

 

Instead of feeling guilty, inadequate and bad, let's positively chose a 'good life' of good enjoyable food and positive life-affirming activities that release endorphins - those feel good hormones - within our bodies.

 

Now I'm not saying do things that are obviously bad for you. I'm saying do less if you can, but more importantly change the emphasis. Instead of worrying about things you know are not a contribution to good health and vitality, find some new foods, drinks, hobbies and ways of living your daily life that are.

 

Look for the positive, become your own guru and swap the 'sinner' mindset - so deeply embedded in our culture - for taking responsibility for your own destiny and sense of well-being. It's you that has to live with the consequences of your choices, not the endless stream of health experts who tell you what to do and leave you feeling a little short of perfect.

 

Personally, I'm sick of being told what to worry about and more and more trust my instincts about what's good for me. I want the experts to advise on what's good, not bad. I want to discover more delicious, health-enhancing foods and drinks. I want to indulge in delightful therapies that are a joy to experience as well as being a bonus to my well being.

 

So my New Year's resolution is to focus on the accentuating the positive; here are a few suggestions to get the ball rolling:

 

1. Go see a counsellor, life-coach or therapist NOT because you need fixing; go to get support with creating the best year of your life - ever.

 

2. Book a massage NOT because you 'need it'. Go because it's great fun, deeply relaxing and sheer bliss

 

3. Eat 'healthily' NOT because you should. Make a feast of your favourite fresh fruit, vegetables and organic meats because this glorious earth is blessed with delights for your delectation.

 

Here's to hedonistic health in 2006. Enjoy!