2017 New Year's Resolutions
It's hard to believe, but 2017 is only two days away. In the midst of the holiday hubbub, this is the perfect time to think about and write down your own personal New Year's resolutions. Our nine resolutions, as you might have guessed, are all about living the upcoming year with mindfulness and intention. We hope some of these ideas find their way into your list of resolutions, too!
Wake Up Earlier - With just one extra hour to yourself in the morning, a world of possibilities opens up. Take this time to meditate, read a book, go on a walk, or do something else you love before starting your day.
Set Intentions - By setting one intention or several at the beginning of the day, you'll quickly see how you lead the rest of your day with a sense of purpose and mindfulness. Return to the same intentions day after day or mix it up - it's about what works for you.
Eat Mindfully - In an age of busy schedules and fast food, commit to eating mindfully. Choose ingredients that are good for you. Cook slowly and with a sense of integrity. Eat with friends or family by your side. Last but not least, always give thanks for the food you have before you.
Cell Phone Detox - In the new year, what could possibly be more refreshing than going on a cell phone detox? Establish rules for yourself to spend time apart from your cell phone. Perhaps you commit to no cell phone after 7pm. Maybe you allow yourself Sundays completely phone-free.
Read More - Whether it's a novel, biography, cook book, philosophical text or poetry, reading is a wonderful activity that's both relaxing and keeps your brain sharp. Reading is one of the best ways to learn new things and expand your vocabulary, so why not do it everyday? Even if your schedule is tight, take just a little bit of time in the morning, before bed, or in transit throughout your day to dive into your book du jour.
Spend Time Outdoors - Many of us spend the majority of our day inside, so make an effort in the coming year to spend more time outdoors. Something about simply walking or sitting in nature helps to put everything in perspective and leave your mind open and refreshed.
Be Creative - Tapping into your innate creativity is a way to express yourself, relieve stress, and become more resilient and a better problem solver. So whether you're drawing, painting, photographing, decorating your home or baking - find a way to let a bit of imagination and ingenuity into your day!
Travel Abroad - The benefits of traveling are endless. Amongst other things, traveling expands your horizons, teaches you to adapt, exposes you to new cultures and instills in you an incredible sense of gratitude. In 2017, take a chance, leave your comfort zone and go explore!
Get More Sleep - As the Dalai Lama once said, "Sleep is the best meditation." We couldn't agree more. A good night's sleep is essential to physical and mental health - so invest in those eight essential hours every night. The return on investment will most certainly be worth it.
Happy New Year, BuDhaGirls!