We love demotivational posters, but is this leading you astray?

A lot of people have a drinking problem, and by that, I don’t mean an excessive fondness for beer, or a chronic case of pouring their beverage somewhere other than their mouth. The problem is two-fold; one, they’re not drinking enough to stay hydrated, and two, they’re not sure what they should drink to do so.

From fancy sports drinks to plain old tap water, there are a lot of options to reach for during and after exercise. Which is the best choice? Does it even matter?

Probably not the best choice in a workout partner.

Having a partner in crime when you exercise is almost always a good idea. It’s that “almost” facet that the authors of a new book, Influencer: The Power to Change Anything examine. Joseph Grenny, author of Influencer, says, “Our research shows our friends have enormous influence over our success – whether for better or worse. The trick is knowing who to spend time with and who to ignore as you try to accomplish your goals.”

This notion of having to distance yourself from people who will detract from your health and wellness goals is tricky to address.  Whether these folks actively impede your efforts with criticism or undermine them with enabling (or re-enabling) bad habits, they’re not doing you any favors. The closer the folks are – such as members of your family or partner – the harder this can be. However, fitness is by its very nature a little bit selfish – you’re making yourself healthier, and nobody else can do that for you.

Since it’s creeping up on resolution time (and I don’t mean 1920×1080), it might be a good idea to begin thinking about how your interactions with various people contribute to (or detract from) reaching your goals. It might also be an opportunity to consider which role you might be playing for the folks around you – maybe you’re an inspiration, or maybe you’re a warning. In either case, here are some suggestions for setting yourself up to succeed as the calendar prepares to flip over.

Today is quite possibly the single-most insanely hectic shopping day for many people. You roll out of bed extra-early, head for whatever store has your interest and hope that you manage to score that geeky toy that will brighten someone’s day – or maybe just your own. Black Friday is not only dangerous from the aspect of getting smooshed at a door-buster sale, but also from sheer frustration, rush, and ease of access to fast food. Rather than run the risk of a dangerous case of the hungries, here are some things you can do to avoid getting trampled by your stomach as it drags you towards the nearest pile of french fries.  (Trust me when I say I’ve been there!)

Should you put your feet up, or keep climbing when you're sick?

To Wii (-Fit), or not to Wii, that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler in the gym to brave the sniffles and sneezes of outrageous workouts, or to take naps amid a sea of Kleenex, and by resting, get healthy?

Hamlet, Hamthrax… work with me here.

Just because people think I’m nuts doesn’t mean I’m going to pass up an opportunity for a headline pun like that, people. It’s like leaving an AFK PvP-flagged member of the opposite faction un-ganked. The easiest way to avoid temptation is to give in to it.

However, what if the temptation in question is to keep up your usual fitness routine when you’re coming down with the Devouring Plague… or maybe just the Creeping Crud?

Image courtesy of Ruud Hein (Flickr)

Anyone who’s been involved in organized or semi-organized raiding in an MMORPG is probably familiar with the concept of raid prep: making sure you’re ready to tackle a given objective. Do you have your potions, bandages, and ammo? Do you have a plan of attack (or, for the purists in the audience, have you studiously avoided one)? Is your equipment ready? Magic users, have you studied and read up on your spells today?

Have you, in short, told Illidan Stormrage to shove it?

The same approach can help you succeed in getting healthy, too.