Ghosts and goblins have made way for reindeers and elves, and spooky soundtracks have been replaced with sleigh bells ringing. The holiday season seems to speed up every year, and although it's only December a new year is just around the corner.
Over the last few years I've started using December as my hibernation month. While everyone around me is speeding up and getting swept up in holiday chaos, i'm slowing down and staying put. I figure since all of nature was beginning to turn inwards it made sense that I should too.
I was tired of starting the new year off "tired" and falling off my "resolutions" a week into January like the other 92 percent of people who set resolutions. Instead I wanted to step into a new year clear, calm and in control. Who doesn't, right?
Hibernation doesn't mean being anti social it means being aware.
Here are my five mindful hibernation hacks designed to help you enter 2016 with grace, ease, and power!
1. Meditate: Take 5-10 minutes in the morning/evening to strengthen the brain by focusing on the breath. Not sure where to start? I have an intro to meditation audio just for you. Remember the key is consistency not quantity. Spending 30 minutes once a week isn't as effective as five minutes, sevent days a week. This will leave you feeling clear and in control.
2. Journal: Start each journal entry by completing this sentence,
"2016 the year I _______!" And then write down whatever comes to your mind.
This a free form writing exercise, it doesn't have to make sense and there are no limitations. Often times we stifle our deepest desires and goal because we're afraid. Unleashing these will leave you feeling powerful.
3. Share who you will be in 2016: We are a "DOING" society, and define ourselves by what we do. I want to know who you will BE in 2016. For example: I will be committed, kind, confident, etc. Write this down then say it out loud to yourself by using the sentence "In 2016 I will be _____", you may even decide to start BEING that now vs. waiting. Being a certain means our actions then have to match that way of being and naturally what you DO will also shift.
4. Commit to your health (seriously): Increase your fruit/vegetable intake, drink more water, and get back into the gym. I know, I know, there's no time. You have to make time because this is important. We store a lot of emotion and leftover "stuff" in our bodies. When we nourish ourselves and move, this "stuff" is released leaving us feeling and looking better. Leave 2015 in 2015.
5. Say "No": There's a lot going on this month and you will get invitations for dinners, parties, and events that you may have no interest in attending but somehow get convinced to go anyway. Not only is this a waste of YOUR time it can also leave resentment for the person that invited you. Be honest with yourself and those around you. I'll reemphasize the honesty part, you don't want to make excuses for why you can't attend, simply say "I appreciate the invitation but I'd rather not go." Or something along those lines. If you are honest they will understand.
Don't just take my word for it, try it out for yourself, and if a months seems to daunting, hibernate for a week and see how it goes. I'm looking forward to this month and the year to come for me and you!
Do you have other tips to for stepping into the New Year with grace, ease, and power? I'd love to hear your thoughts post to comments.
Mindfulness doesn't require five days in silence or hours under a banyan tree. Sign up to get a free "Press Pause" audio meditation to add a dose of mindfulness to your well being journey in less than five minutes.