Are you looking to make some mindful new years resolutions? I got you!
Resolutions are only worth making if they are achievable and will actually do you some good. So I like to think of them as habits that we want to start and prioritize. Think: baby steps!
I encourage you to tweak and cater this list to fit your life and current goals/needs :)
"Meet yourself where you are at. Stop holding yourself to standards that you're not equipped to maintain. Don't let your perception of somebody else's way of being make your rush your own process.
Free yourself from unrealistic expectations. Free yourself from goals motivated by ego and pride. Free yourself from the need to be impressive. Focus on your ability to be impactful, instead." -Michell C. Clark
Here's 9 Mindful Habits to Start & Prioritize in 2023
1. Practice Meditating
Simply sitting with your thoughts and taking full, deep breaths can essentially reset our nervous system within seconds! One of the most helpful breathing tips I ever heard is: To calm your body, make your exhales longer than your inhales.
For instance, inhale while you count to 4 then exhale while you count to 8, and repeat 3-10 times. Watch what happens! Tap here for more on breath work and meditation.
2. Try New Food & Recipes
Experimenting with and introducing your taste buds to new foods is one of the incredible joys of life. I encourage you to broaden your horizons and pallet! Check out my recipes for some delicious and creative plant forward recipes.
3. Exercise & Move in ways you actually enjoy
"Exercising more" is such a.common new years resolution that after a month or so ends up getting pushed to the side for various reasons. Rather than starting an unrealistic work out plan, what if you focused on moving your body in ways that energize it and make it feel good.
I invite you to open your mind to more forms of movement the next time you think about: "working out because you know you need to" or "getting back on your workout grind". The movement that you choose doesn't have to be intense, require a gym membership, nor make you incredibly sore. Some of my favorite ways to move my body are: walking, yoga, dancing, stretching & playing with my dog.
4. Read More Books
Books with mindful context can be very empowering and helpful throughout the year. Reading can be a great way to either get your mind off of certain things but it can also help you direct and sort your thoughts in a way that is therapeutic. I'd also like to point out that reading is a great way to occupy your mind rather than tv, social media, or games on your phone.
Some mindful books that I suggest reading are: Lighter by Yung Pueblo, Becoming Super Natural by Dr. Joe Dispenza, How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera, & Your Brain is Always Listening by Daniel Amen. Tap here for books about whole food plant based eating.
5. Routine Check-ins with Friends
Making it a priority to reach out to a friend (or multiple friends) on a regular basis can help both you and your friend(s)! Though it can be, it doesn't even have to be a meet up/hang out or phone call. Something as simple as a quick text, letting them know you're thinking of them or wishing them a good rest of the week can go such a long way. This is also a great way to let them know you're there for them, or that you could use some advice, someone to vent to, someone to talk to, etc.
This is a great way to keep open lines of communication between you and the ones you love, while accepting the fact that we all have busy lives.
6. Practice Journaling
Journaling is a great way to express yourself in a way that is completely personal and without rule (as long as you keep your entries private). Its a great way to explain your thoughts, look at your thoughts, reflect, brain storm, grieve, celebrate, laugh, cry, and more. Tap here to learn more about how to start journaling.
7. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Getting enough sleep is so important. The older I get, the more I am learning how not so easy sleeping can be. I don't struggle any more, but I have, and I know many people who have and still do. Something that really helped my sleep is creating and sticking to a bedtime routine. It can be as elaborate or simple as you want. But creating and using an "unwinding" plan can really help prep your body for a good nights sleep every night.
For example: drink a glass of water, take out the dog, light 5 min stretch, brush teeth, wash face, rest of skin care routine, wrap hair, get in bed.
8. Drink More Water
A great rule of thumb is to aim for pale yellow pee. If it's yellow or darker, you're dehydrated! My favorite way to stay hydrated is to always have a water bottle with me. Also, in the winter, I like to drink a lot of hot/warm water with lemon.
9. Set Healthy Boundaries for Yourself
It's not selfish to put yourself and self-care first. In most scenarios, it's necessary. I encourage you to set boundaries with the people, places, and things in your life that don't align with your goals and what you ultimately want for yourself. Keep in mind that you can't pour from an empty cup, you have to fill yours first. Tap here for more ways to be nicer to yourself.
I hope this helps!
Bookmark this page to come back to it whenever you need some inspiration
& send to someone that you love that could benefit from reading this!
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