I don’t know about you but something about this time of year has me vacillating between being highly motivated and wanting to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and a great book.
It makes sense because society is telling me it’s a new year, I can turn over a new leaf, and to set my intentions for the next 365 days. It’s time to think of doing, doing, doing.
Seriously, all the hectic-ness (I think I just made that word up.) of work and school and social life has picked up speed as people come out of their post-holiday comas.
However, if like me you live in an area where the days are shorter and it’s freezing outside, nature is cueing your body that it’s time to settle down for the winter and store up energy for a burst of growth in the spring.
In the midst of full days and evenings here are three things you can do to cultivate a little calm into your days.
- Make a list of all the things weighing you down. Seriously. Keeping everything inside isn’t only toxic to your mind but also to your body. Take a few minutes to write down all those thoughts swirling around in your head. If there’s something on the list that you’re struggling with day in and day out (arguing with a certain someone or watering the seeds of self-doubt) then take a longer break and write what’s really troubling you about the situation, whether it be fear of failure or rejection or something else, and assess it. Mull it over and decide if you’re believing a lie and what truth you can speak into that situation. Or what solution you see working. Just getting it all on paper can alleviate some of the mental stress of carrying it all around inside.
- Take a five-minute breather every day, preferably in the morning so you can set the mood of your day. Instead of starting the day by checking your email and reacting to everyone’s expectations in your life, start with an activity that focuses your mind and heart on bigger things – like prayer, scripture reading, or meditation. Allowing ourselves this simple act, can set the tone for the entire day.
- Start your day the night before – I know this sounds crazy, but writing down your top 3 important tasks for the next day helps you focus immediately the next morning when you set out to accomplish your list. Your game plan is already set and the gears in your brain don’t need to do much to get started because you’ve already told yourself exactly what to do first. If something urgent comes up- say a kid gets sick or you get a flat tire, at least you know what things can be eliminated and what needs to be addressed to still have a “successful” day.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it’s doable. And, once you nail these three things you can start to work on others like regular exercise, menu planning or delegating. But for now, baby step your way into a calmer day.
If you’re interested in more guidance and accountability, I’m always here to help by clicking here.
If you found this article helpful, please share is via the social media buttons below.
