The start of a new year is always a magical time. It carries with it so many feelings of hope, excitement, determination and ambition. A new year gives people the chance to let go of the old and welcome the new.
Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help make this year beautiful. A year of self-care, wellbeing and happiness.
- Make sure to start your day right!
Make a conscious effort to not reach for your phone first thing in the morning. I was lucky enough to receive a sunrise alarm clock for Christmas so I no longer need to use my phone as an alarm.
By reaching for your phone and checking emails and social media as soon as you wake you’re setting the day up with anxiety, dread and work! All of that can wait till 9am. Instead let your light alarm clock gradually wake you, then light your favourite candle or switch on your diffuser and think of something you are truly grateful for. It might be the view out of your bedroom window or something exciting that is happening with your day. Fill your mornings with gratitude, serenity and peace. You’ll set yourself up for the day just right.
- Daily Digital Detox
Set an intention to be off all your digital devices; mobile, laptop, iPad by a certain time each evening. Give yourself a few hours before bed to wind down and switch off. Instead of scrolling your phone pick up a book or magazine. If you’re not much of a reader you can download Audible and listen to the latest reads. Get comfy, curl up and allow the pressures of daily life to fade away.
- Get outside more!
I live in the UK, The North to be exact and what we are probably best known for is dark mornings, grey afternoons and dark evenings. It rains 70% of the time and it’s nearly always cold (you can tell I don’t work for the tourist board, eh) However, I make an effort to get outside every damn day! Admittedly it helps that I have a dog that needs walking but, regardless, I still enjoy my strolls. The Japanese have a treatment called forest therapy. They found that being outside, amongst nature, naturally lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and helps to improve mental disorders. Tune into nature and you’re mind and body will be eternally happy!
- Spend More Time With the People You Love.
Surround yourself with people that lift your mood and make you feel loved. Ask yourself this question:
‘Do you spend more time with your clients/ phone/ boss then you do with your family/ friends/ dog?’
If the answer is yes then is there anything you can do to change this? True, you can’t quit your job just yet so what can you do to allow yourself to spend more time with loved ones? Maybe you could set up a weekly lunch date with friends or make every Friday evening date night. Schedule plans to you look forward to and once you’re with those people give them your undivided attention. These people love you and they matter. Cherish them.
- A Stretch a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!
Okay, I’m being a little biased here but if you try yoga this year you might just fall in love with it. And once that happens there is no going back!
ARE YOU READY TO LET YOGA RUIN YOUR LIFE?
Life as you know it will never be the same. Take my word for it. Commit yourself to 3 classes. Find your favourite style of yoga and the right teacher and take just 3 classes. If you don’t like it after that, fine, it’s not for you. But there lies the real possibility that you could be about to change your life through this magical practice of yoga.
Imagine your life a year from now. Do you want it to be the exact same as right now?
Or are you willing to let newness in?
Happy New Year all. Have you set any intentions for the year ahead? Let me know in the comments section or over on my Instagram @northernyogisarah.
