My January 1st starts today! I fully unplugged the entire two weeks H had off of school and then enjoyed his B-Day celebration the last few days. I really lived in the moment and it was wonderful! Honestly, I always struggle with this time of year and it has been super hard getting back into the swing of things. Slowly but surely I am getting back into the groove.
Setting New Years’ goals at the beginning of the year is something I no longer do. I have moved to a mindset of “always be ready” vs. kicking off the new year with goal setting.
But, there is one goal I am setting for myself in 2020! To meditate daily.
Meditation has been part of my life for a long time but for some reason, I struggle to make it a daily practice. This year I am more determined than ever to meditate every day without fail. Even if it’s only for 10 min a day.
Why meditate? Well, there are so many reasons. And, if you need science to convenience you here you go.
Several studies show meditation, even for a short time increases alpha waves (alpha is the resting state of the brain) as well as leads to a decrease in anxiety and depression. At Harvard Medical School they used MRIs to monitor study participant’s brain activity while they were meditating. They found during mediation the area of the brain which controls the autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system responsible for the control of bodily functions not consciously directed) was activated. Given this information, it makes sense that meditation would help manage stress and reduce stress-related diseases.
Meditation has proven benefits and I can’t tell you how many people in the leadership, self-development space I follow swear by it as the one thing that changed their lives FOREVER! I don’t have to be sold on how amazing mediation is I just need to actually do it and stick to it once and for all.
This year I’m making it my number one priority!
Ok, let’s chat a little bit about what I meant when I said “always stay ready”. This might be a mindset shift you want to make this year. It has made a massive difference in my life and how I stick to goals throughout the year.
Exercise is a popular New Years’ goal for many. And, it was for me to for many years. I can’t tell you how many times I got in shape and fell out of shape over the years. It was a horrible cycle and come the fall each year I would just decide to not do anything until the beginning of January. Or, if I missed a few workouts I would sabotage myself with stopping altogether.
I am proud to say keeping up with my workouts are no longer a problem. A while ago I committed to staying ready vs. getting ready and I have never looked back. We are all going to fall off the wagon when it comes to what we want to accomplish. However, instead of self-sabotaging and completely throwing in the towel my recommendation is to give yourself grace. Take a break for a few days if you need to and then jump right back on the wagon. Don’t overthink it just keep pushing forward! So many times when we are derailed we give up completely or wait to try and accomplish the same goal the next year.
Now it’s time for me to STAY READY when it comes to meditation!
I’m excited about what 2020 will bring and finally committing to making meditation a daily habit. What is your stay ready goal this year?
In Love, Heath + Gratitude,
Katie