Now that you’re well into the start of the new year it can be easy to start feeling disappointed. It could be that you have already failed to follow through on your New Year’s resolutions and that you are starting to lose direction. This happens to most people and it’s important to maintain a positive attitude. There are many techniques to allow you to focus on the now and what is important, rather than being riddled with negative thoughts. There are things you can do to improve your mindfulness, self esteem and to reduce stress. Taking care of yourself in 2020 should be your main goal and the top of your resolutions list. Here are some strategies in order to help you do this.
Meditation
This is an important feature of mindfulness practices and can be very beneficial. Clear your thoughts and take time to find peace. Some people find a mantra can also help, this is something you can repeat every day to reassure yourself and to calm down. Yoga has many benefits and meditation is a part of most types. If you haven’t had much experience with these things, why not take a yoga class or watch a video tutorial to find out how you can teach yourself to meditate.
Do nothing
Most people are so wrapped up in their fast-paced lives it’s difficult to get out of the habit of rushing around all the time. Take some time to prioritize what’s important and to make time to stop what you’re doing. After working hard all day, family, friends, relationships, hobbies and all of your life admin, it’s a good idea just to take a break. Switch off from the outside world for a couple of hours, relax your mind, watch TV, and breathe. You don’t need to always be productive to be valued, give yourself a break from time to time.
Take more you time
Take more time to appreciate your own company. You don’t need to always surround yourself with friends and family in order to feel happy, in fact studies have shown that solitude now and again can be very useful. Consider perhaps even taking yourself off the grid for an evening, you can warn your loved ones so that they don’t worry about you and you can get the peace and quiet you deserve. This will give you the time you need to reflect. It can also help you to regulate your emotions and deal with things better, thus making you more able to socialize. Your relationships with others will improve if you work on the one you have with yourself. Go out for a meal alone, or to the movies. You can try taking yourself out somewhere nice, or for a walk. Treat it almost like a date for you and you.
Guilty pleasures
Whether it’s a particular TV show or movie you feel a little ashamed of sometimes, or a trashy magazine, don’t be afraid to indulge. There’s no harm in enjoying something not quite so cultured at times, especially when you work your brain so hard everyday. It can be good to help you switch off.
Treat yourself
It might sound silly but why not buy yourself little presents. Get some nice flowers for your bedroom that will cheer you up in the mornings. Purchase a gift card and use it to have a nice day out or buy yourself something new. You’re always taking care of everyone else so well, why not give yourself a bit of spoiling. You could even hire a cleaning service for example to give you the opportunity to put your feet up.
Spa day
There are many therapies which work alongside mindfulness and help to reduce stress. Book yourself a massage, or a facial, something to make you feel fresh and confident. A day at the spa can also help to relieve pain and tension. There are many products you can buy to use at home, for example aromatherapy oils and natural remedies to help you relax. CBD Products have been proven very beneficial for example. Light some candles, try lavender, peppermint or rosemary flavors. Sort out all your aches and pains, and minimize stress.
Travel
Don’t worry if you feel like you haven’t got the time or money to spend on a long holiday. Why not try a day trip to somewhere local you’ve never been before. It’s always great for your physical and mental well-being. Go out for a walk in the countryside, look up hiking and cycling routes near you. If you’re lucky enough to live near the sea or a lake, proximity to natural water can be very relaxing. Take a trip by yourself, this will help you to get into your own head space.
No regrets
Where it’s important to acknowledge any mistakes you may have made on the way, it’s better to try to learn from these. Turn your regrets into ways you can improve yourself and your life. Don’t dwell on the past, but consider it a lesson learnt, you will do things differently from now on and this is a positive thing. Sometimes it’s necessary to do something wrong before you can do it right.
Make friends
It can be difficult to meet people sometimes so try to appreciate the casual acquaintances you have in your life. These could be coworkers or fellow parents, or people you meet at the gym. Make more effort for these perhaps more low maintenance friendships and branch out. The positivity will be contagious.
Live for now
Mindfulness is all about appreciating what you have in the present and avoiding worrying too much about the unknown. Try not to focus on negative expectations and concentrate on what you have achieved so far. Don’t always expect the worst, as this won’t do you any good in the long run. Enjoy what you are doing today and try to live your life to the fullest, as you’re only gonna get one of them.