Mindful Resolutions That Have Nothing to Do with Food or Diet
Are you ready for another year? The upcoming year is especially exciting because we're about to embark on a journey into a brand new decade!
You may already have your health goals in mind and are ready to make a fresh start. But have you given any thought to resolutions for other areas of your life?
Mindful living and wellness incorporate many areas of life.
Let's start this decade off the right way, by breaking out of our resolution rut and putting other things on our list that cover our sense of fun, pleasure, and work!
- Take a bucket-list trip
Stop saying "someday" about the trips you want to take. For 2020, pick a place off your bucket list and book the trip. Last February my husband took me to Europe for the first time. It was a big stretch out of my comfort zone but I'm so glad I did it! Of course, it doesn't have to be an expensive trip. How about a staycation in your home town where you hit all the spots you've been meaning to check out? I live in San Diego and years ago, when I was homeschooling all four of my kids, we had a year of California adventures. We hit all those spots in San Diego people travel here to see but locals never get to. It was great fun!
- Conquer a fear
Is there something that scares you? Maybe you fear heights, public speaking, or even spiders. Smash the spider, so to speak and tackle that great fear. Oh maybe it's a fear of failure when you think of your goals for the year. I help many clients work with their thoughts of fear of failure. It is possible to manage your negative self talk and accomplish your goals!
- Create a journal
Whether you have vivid dreams you want to recall, big ideas you want to bring to life, or you want to record your thoughts, DO IT. Taking your pen to paper is one of the best ways to kick off the new decade, plus you'll have fascinating mementos. I am a big advocate of daily journaling. Future Self Journal is something I recommend to all of my clients, as well as writing positive affirmations. It's so simple but very powerful!
- Enact a weekly meet-up with loved ones
Whether it's a family dinner night once a week with all the relatives or brunching with your friends, commit to a weekly gathering. It doesn't need to be extravagant. You could even plan a potluck picnic to make it a collaborative adventure. The important thing is to make time for each other rather than let another year fly by and say, "Wow, I haven't seen you since last New Year's Eve."
- Try a new hobby out
Have you always wanted to paint? Dance? Create your own garden? Go for it! Trying out new things makes us happier. Whatever it is that sparks your interest is worth pursuing. Whatever has been pulling at your heartstrings lately, pay attention.
- Aim to read more
The mind always needs to be kept sharp, and one of the best ways to do that is through reading. If you've been putting it off, try setting a goal to read a certain amount of books per month. Joining a book club can help with this, plus you'll make some great new friends, too!
- Explore new cuisine
Do you make the same things for dinner every week? Vow to shake things up a bit by exploring how to make the cuisine of other cultures. Whether you've always wanted to make Chinese dumplings, Indian curry, or even sushi, make it your resolution to try out a new type of recipe every week.
- Develop a new skill for work
Learning skills shouldn't end at college or when you first start your career. Keep going and incorporate new ways to bolster your career. Being able to always evolve with the changes to your industry can translate to a larger paycheck!
Combined with health and wellness resolutions, this list will have you looking forward to the good things coming your way in 2020!
What are you most excited about in 2020?
In case Meditation is on your New Year's resolution list, join me for my Quiet Your Mind 30 Day Mindfulness Meditation program! It starts Jan. 6!
You can check out the details here: https://www.shondapalmer.com/quiet-your-mind
