If the pace of life seems to be such that you barely have time to think, then the festive season, and the New Year, might represent an opportunity to reflect on your priorities and even to reassess them. You might decide that you’d like to lift your head up more often, and lead a more mindful, purposeful life in the coming year. But what exactly might that mean?
Prioritise Daily Mindful Moments
Mindfulness isn’t always about taking an hour out of your day, or even practising any form of formal meditation. You might decide that simply keeping a journal, and taking a few deep breaths at key junctures might make a difference. Even if you feel that you don’t have time to meditate, the truth might be that you can find ten minutes every day to do so. Whether it’s during lunch, just before breakfast, or shortly before you go to bed, the right meditative practice can make a big difference to your life, so why not make a commitment and do it every day throughout January?
Create a restful space at home
Those mindful moments aren’t just about finding the time. They’re also about finding the space – and shaping that space such that it supports your sense of peace and calm. Deal with the clutter in your home, add a few choice soothing elements, and install the right soft lighting and plants. It might be that just a small corner of your living room is enough.
Take a break for a change of scenery
If you’re constantly in the same environment, it can be difficult to change your habits and patterns of behaviour. You might therefore step out of the house, and seek a hard reset with a holiday away. You’ll want to pick a destination that appeals to your sensibilities, and that promotes a sense of peace and calm. If you want to rest and recharge, then resorts like Broncemar Beach in Fuerteventura might be perfect. You’ll get warm weather, peace, and quiet. What better environment could there be for mindfulness and relaxation?
Set intentions for sustainable habits
All of this sounds wonderful. But simply making a commitment to relax more often isn’t enough. You’ll also need to create systems, routines, and habits that will support this commitment. When you’re planning your day-to-day schedule, make sure that you have time for your preferred form of relaxation. Whether it’s a session at the gym, a walk in the park, or ten minutes of meditation, you should treat these moments with the same seriousness as any work-related commitment. That way, you’ll be much more likely to stick with it, and feel more energised and refreshed in a year’s time.
