It's no doubt that New Year's Day isn't always the most relaxing.
Half of you may be nursing a hangover, and the other half of you may be feeling pressure to put your foot all the way down on the gas pedal and sprint to your goals.
Of course, some of you may also feel lost, burnt out from last year, and underprepared to start something new.
Regardless if you are hungover, feeling overwhelmed by a new year starting, or don't give a sh*t, I wanted to give you some mindful things to do on New Year's Day because who the f*ck decided that New Year's had to be stressful?
Most people consider the New Year as a way to do more, but what if you decided to do less.
Less of what no longer serves you. Less of what stresses you out. Less worrying. Less anxiety. Less pressure. And choose to allow the feel-good energy to awaken within you.
What if you decided to do less so you have room to be/do more? Be more yourself. Happier. More adventurous. More spontaneous.
And what if when you decide to focus on the feel-good energy, you awaken more abundance & creative energy that gives you the push to make your life better than it was when you were stressed about how to get things done?
Really, what does stress do for you? In my experience, it takes you out of problem-solving mode and into desperation mode. NOTHING GOOD EVER CAME FROM DESPERATION.
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You're probably reading enough blog posts, listening to enough podcasts, and enrolled in enough programs telling you how to make this year the year to achieve all of your successes.
I didn't want to add to that today.
I wanted to offer a different approach to the New Year.
One that prioritizes mindfulness and happiness over stress and accomplishment.
Don't get me wrong, I'm HUGE on getting the things done that you want to accomplish.
As a society, it's been too much of our focus. With rising rates of depression and anxiety, I can assume there is a correlation between feeling the need to be overly productive and the plummeting quality of our mental health.
A lot of us have turned into robots.
While accomplishment is important, we also need to prioritize balance. Having outlets. Having a f*cking lifestyle that feeds our soul. That gives us space and permission to do the things that make us feel good.
Whether you love your work, you also need something beyond it. (Take it from me, even if you love your work, you can get lost in it)
So, if you're tired of always working and stressing each New Year & want permission to sit back and relax, here is my mindful approach to how you can spend New Year's Day.
F*ck, spend New Year's week doing nothing but being mindful.
Let's dive in.
1.Start A New Book. Nothing screams pure bliss like starting a fresh new story. To all of my book lovers, I'm with you. If reading is something you love, and you have a stack of them taunting you because you never make time in your busy schedule, don't deprive yourself of a deliciously relaxing day in your favorite reading chair with a blanket, favorite drink, and some snacks.
2. Take a cleansing bubble bath. If you're among the unlucky ones nursing a hangover, the bubble bath will help you recover. If you're one of the people who are stressed about the year before it started, a relaxing bubble bath is what you need. Water is a healing element. Mix a warm bath with your favorite bath salts and suds, put your head back, and allow the properties to cleanse you not only physically but also spiritually and emotionally.
3. Create or add to your bucket list. When did you last sit down to write out the fun things you want to do with your life? Many of us get so caught up in work we forget to play. To entertain the parts of our soul who like to be free. Spend the day looking at trips to take this year. Events to go to. Hobbies to pick up. Languages to learn. Let the parts of you who get lost in work be on full display today.
4. Watch your favorite Christmas movie. I don't know about you, but I don't take down my Christmas decorations until January 6th. There is no rush to get out of the season that reminds us that magic is still alive. Let your favorite Christmas Movie be an inspiration on how to spend your year: believing in good things happening for you.
5. Go for a hike. For my hung-over group, this one might not be for you. For those of you who are feeling lost, get the f*ck out of the house. There's nothing more inspirational than getting outside, breathing in some fresh air, and letting nature do its thing. Even if you go to the local park, put your phone down and step into YOUR life.
6. Have a candle-lit feast. There's nothing more traditional than having a feast to celebrate life. Why not make the first day of your New Year romantic? Take the time to cook one of your favorite dishes, light all the candles in your house, play some jazz in the background, and get swept up in the beautiful energy of nurturing yourself. Oh and for those of you who are hungover, YOU NEED FOOD AND LOTS OF IT.
7. Take a nap. Look, I don't know who said that kids are the only ones who need naps because, us adults, sometimes we need a moment to close our eyes. So do that today. Why not catch up on some much-needed sleep you lost last year and over the holidays? When fully rested, you show up clear-minded and alert to make HEALTHY decisions. I won't tell anyone if you don't. ;)
There are many, many more ways to be mindful today (and every other day), but why not let these ideas help you devise your own mindful practice?
If you choose to do them all or just one, let your mind sink into the present moment.
Don't worry about what will come this year; worry about today, and show up for yourself with a self-care attitude.
Plus, what's success and accomplishment if you're feeling like sh*t?!
Happy New Year, Gorgeous! Give yourself permission to live YOUR way this year.
XX,
Anita Amon
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