6 Tips for Creating Calm in the New Year

I'll admit it. I am one of those folks who likes to do a lot of reflection on the past year, what went well, what were learning lessons, and how can I continue to evolve and grow as a more authentic version of me. 

Today, I'd like to share 6 Tips to use Mindfulness and Reflection to help you walk into 2024 as your bad ass self . 

1. Spend time tech free.

Any time without your phone at your side. Two minutes, twenty minutes, or an entire day. We need time away from the pings, dings, and any way that the phone sends you a notification. Time away allows your parasympathetic system to engage the 'Rest and Digest' component of your nervous system. We need this mental and physical detox periodically. 

2. Spend time reading

Spend time as many days as you can reading some part of a book. You'll hear many folks say "Read one chapter a day." That's fabulous if your day has that time carved out and if it makes sense for the book that you're reading. If I'm reading Yung Pueblo Inward, I open the book to a page and let the wisdom fall where it may, but if I'm reading How To Do The Work  by Dr Nicole LePera then I want to immerse myself in the book as it feels comfortable without the pressure of finishing a whole chapter. Especially if I am reading The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, then I am definitely only reading one page at a time. This is your journey. Always feel free to adjust these practices so that they make sense for you.

3. Get into the habit of Journalling

Writing - the physical act of putting pen to paper does something to our brain that doesn't happen when we journal using a tablet or our computer. However, that does not mean that if you would rather journal on your laptop or an already put together for you journal on your tablet then journalling is not for you....not at all!!!! This is all about you. If that is how journalling looks for you or how journalling starts out... do what works for you. The practice of self reflection is incredibly healing and such an important part of self care. However it looks, just let it happen. If you have no idea how to journal and need some ideas. Elena Brower's Practice You Journal  is a phenomenal resource. 

4. Meditation  

Ok. I get it. For some folks, the idea of sitting still and emptying their mind is the first thing they think of when they hear meditation. If that is you, let's talk options. Remember, this is all about you and making practices fit your life and your lifestyle. There are MANY different types of meditation. The practice is learning to be able to not get caught up in our thoughts rather than emptying our mind. So... what do you need? A walk in the park? A run without music? Sit in a comfortable position while listening to calming music? Cuddle up in a cozy blanket, lots of cushions and Savasana for twenty minutes?

The answer can be one or all or none. Honestly! Meditation has many options. Chanting, singing, sitting, lying down, walking, running, and so much more. If you wander over to YouTube, you'll find lots and lots of examples of meditation. 

Below are a few meditations I've shared with clients and friends.

Awareness Meditation

Yoga Nidra

Loving Kindness Meditation

5. Movement

Exercise is one of the greatest self-care practices. Whether it's walking, running, cycling, or any exercise you choose, the chemicals released into our body during any exercise help us to feel happier, more balanced, and improves our physical health.

Whether you like to exercise by yourself, in groups, or with a friend, find the way that works for you. 

Need help getting started? Book A Discovery Call

6. Be Present in the Moment

This one can seem more difficult. I want to invite you to make this simple. Set a timer for 1-5 minutes. Do something just for you. Dance. Sing. Scream. Do a crossword puzzle. Paint your nails. Go for a walk. What ever you do, just focus on going all in! There is no one right way to do this because it's all about you. 

How do we do these practices right? Well we probably won't but that's ok. It's not about doing these practices perfectly. Any time that you set aside to do something for you is part of your self care. Anytime that we lean into what makes us our happy, healthier, bad ass self... well that is where we are teaching ourselves to trust in what we hear, that we are listening and being seen by the most important relationship we have.. the one with ourselves. We are human beings, not human doings. Sometimes, we need to stop doing and just be so that we can take that time to listen to what is really important to us.