Top 10 Tips for living a more mindful New Year in 2020:
1. Breathe
Mindful breathing is the greatest, yet simplest, stress-reduction technique that we can practice anytime and anywhere. Mindful breathing is focusing on and observing your breath as it happens naturally, without judgment. Practicing mindful breathing a few minutes every day or when you are feeling stress will help you feel better. Included here is a link to one of our 10-minute guided mindful breathing practices for you to use any time! We hope you enjoy it.
2. Self Care
Take small, intentional moments throughout each day to practice self-care. Self-care can be as simple as a few quiet moments dedicated to breathing, exercising or going for a walk, doing activities you enjoy, or dedicating more time to practicing daily meditation.
3. Be Present
Our thoughts are usually either about the past, which tend to make us upset or regretful, or about the future, which make us anxious and worrisome. By staying in the present, being aware of your current thoughts, feelings, sensations, and the surroundings, you will feel peaceful and free from negative emotions. Being aware of your breath is always a great way to “come back” to the present moment.
4. Forgive Yourself
Practicing self-forgiveness can be difficult, as we are generally our own worst critics. However, learning to be patient and forgiving to ourselves can benefit our self-esteem and reduce our stress levels. Accepting that there is no need to be perfect grants us the power to live in the present moment without the negative emotions attached to the expectations we place on ourselves.
5. Spend Less Time On Social Media
Social media can be entertaining, but stressful at the same time. Spending less time on social media can give us a more balanced mental state. When logging on to social media, be aware of your emotions, thoughts, and sensations. Take a few deep breaths before posting to avoid impulsive postings you may regret later. Additionally, during a time you would normally log on to social media, try doing a self-care activity instead!
6. Accept Things As They Are
Acceptance is one of the key factors in reducing stress. Learning to understand, accept, and finally embrace things as they are eliminates the constant need for control in one’s life.
7. Expect and Be Open To Change
You may be familiar with the quote “The only thing constant in life is change” by the great Greek philosopher Heraclitus. If you expect and be open to change, you will appreciate the present more, and will not be disappointed, but always ready, when change will undoubtedly happen in the future. Your happiness will then not depend on objects, events, or other people.
8. Listen More
Listening is one of the ways we can connect ourselves to the present moment. Being an active listener allows us to engage with the sounds and noises that are contributing to our experiences. It can also improve our communication and relationships with others.
9. Practice Gratitude
Expressing gratitude for others can help us feel more in tune with those around us. Gratitude also allows us to feel more appreciative for the people and things we have in our lives, and not take them for granted.
10. Practice Love and Compassion
Practice love and compassion toward others. Doing a small act of kindness for someone without expecting anything in return will bring you joy and happiness.
