Every year, we get a new opportunity to strive to do better in various ways in our lives. For some, it pans out to be just a start, but that start is usually better than the end of the previous year. For others, they are good at maintaining what they start. Some go into the year with a “word of the year” – such as “compassion”, “peacefulness”, “mindfulness”, etc. In any given situation, they try to apply that word – in their food choices, in conflicts, with their neighbor.
I’d like to use the word “Mindfulness” for the purpose of this article.
Food. Our food choices are typically on the list of improvements every New Year. Most start off well, but then get distracted or discouraged. But if we can apply the principle of mindfulness, it may be easier. For instance, this one bite – is it a good choice for me? Is 2 minutes of enjoyment worth days of negative repercussions? Is there a better choice? If I don’t eat it, what will happen? It is okay to put your fork down, to put a food down after you’ve touched it, to not finish what is on your plate. Stop long enough to think about it, then make a mindful decision.
Exercise. Always on the list as well. Be mindful about it. If you don’t really want to exercise, be honest with yourself and make a choice to exercise or not. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Maybe you choose to get up and walk around the livingroom for 5 minutes. Maybe all you have energy for is to go to the mailbox and back. Maybe your goal was to go to the gym for an hour, but your schedule is too tight and you can only do 10 minutes. Just make a conscious or mindful decision.
Drink water. This is the easiest for most people. Half your body weight in water, maxing out at 100 ounces if you’re over 200 pounds is all it takes. This improved water consumption can have far reaching benefits to all aspects of your health. Be mindful. Set a timer every half hour to drink 3-4 ounces. Drink most of it in the morning and during the day, tapering off as you get close to bedtime.
Sleep. Don’t compromise your sleep. Be mindful of the hour and start preparations for bed an hour before you intend to go to bed. Don’t allow busyness to interfere with this most important daily routine.
Take time out for you. Don’t forget to take the time to enjoy life, to do things you love. Take contemplative time. It is okay to do nothing for periods of time throughout the day. You know your needs greater than anyone else does, and hopefully, you’re more invested in making sure your needs are met. This is especially true of moms, where everyone else comes first and they get the left-overs.
This year, be mindful of all aspects of your life and health and may this next year be vitally healthy!
©2023 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
