New Year’s resolutions can support our efforts in the year ahead.
Yet, it’s all too easy to make a New Year’s resolution only to drop it the next week or month from now.
The key to keeping your goals is to connect a deeper meaning to your goals and aspirations. Don’t just say you want to lose weight, for example. Determine why you want to lose weight. What do you think it will give you? Focus on that!
Or, let’s say you decide to meditation. Be clear on why you want to meditate and what you believe it will bring to your life.
7 Powerful Ways to Invest in your Future Self
Below you’ll find seven things you can do to invest in yourself in the New Year.
These are things you can do if you want to move forward in a positive direction. Pick the ones that feel meaningful to you.
Start a daily meditation
Studies show that meditation can support you in having a better life by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while improving immune function, blood pressure, and overall mental health.
This study showed that meditation even improves neuroplasticity, which means that it can improve your ability to learn and make new connection as you age. It’s easy to get started with meditation, but if you need assistance, you can find meditation tools to make it easier.
Practice Yoga and Qigong
Yoga is an ancient practice from India. Qigong is an ancient system of practices from China. Both of these systems are designed to help you connect your body and mind.
Qigong, in particular, can help you learn about how the energy moves throughout your body (called chi). It can be invigorating and provide a whole new dimension to your life. Qigong and yoga, done correctly, promote longevity and reduce the chances of getting diseases.
Upgrade your mattress
It’s amazing how many of us sleep on old, lumpy mattresses that were made with toxic materials. If you want to invest in yourself this year, consider getting a new mattress made with non-toxic materials that will support your weight with pressure-relieving points while keeping your body cool as you sleep.
Here’s a review of ten of the most comfortable mattresses to help you begin your search. You’ll be amazed at the experience of sleeping on a well-designed mattress. It’s a great way to kick off the New Year.
Get in the habit of stretching morning and night
Emotions and mental tension create physical tension in the body. The easiest way of dealing with this tension is to establish the simple habit of stretching in the morning and before you go to sleep. Even just five minutes of mindful stretching can refresh your mind and improve your wellbeing.
Switch off from the technological world
Most of us have become addicted to technology. Consider how many hours you spend in front of a device or screen. Studies show that the average person checks their smartphone over a 100 times a day!
While technology has its place, if you can switch it off for a day each week, you’ll find a new perspective about life. You’ll find yourself spending more time out days and interacting with others. Less time on social media is a good thing for everyone.
Engage more with the real world
Step outside and breathe the air. Walk in the woods. Go on a hike or a camping trip. Stroll around the park with a friend or family member. Sit outside and watch people go by. Listen to the sound of the rain. Engage your senses every way you can.
Similar to the above point, the more you switch off technology, and immerse yourself in nature and in activities that engage your body, the more alive you’ll begin to feel.