Let’s face it: 2020 was a tough year for many of us. Living rooms transformed into home offices, parents moonlighted as teachers, and virtual meetings replaced drinks and get-togethers. Real life – as we know it – changed almost overnight and we’re all still finding our way to adapt to the new normal.
No matter your circumstances or your situation last year, a new year offers the opportunity for a fresh start with (re)new(ed) intentions. A chance for all of us to refocus and recenter, and there could be no better opportunity than the start of the year to revisit our goals, boundaries and desires.
Whether you believe in New Year’s resolutions or not, it’s important to take some time off at the start of the year for a brief period of reflection. Setting mindful intentions for the year to come helps focus and perspective.
The good news is that there’s no one right way of setting your intentions, so here are three tips that might be able to help you get started:
Tip 1: Look back to move forward
Take a look at the last year and reflect on what really worked for you. Celebrate everything that is going well and then think on areas that you’d like to improve. Be honest and critical, but don’t be to harsh on yourself.
It’s often hard to find the time to do this with the piling distractions in our day-to-day lives. What really helps for us is to commit to a digital detox for a few hours one afternoon and use this as a time to have a deep think on what’s important to you. Leave all the devices behind and grab yourself a notebook to jot down your musings and reflections.
Never mind the incoming emails and the social media notifications – they can wait. By making that space, you’ll be in better shape to recognize what’s important to you in the year ahead. So allow some uninterrupted peace at the dawn of the new year.
Tip 2: Make time for yourself
Mindful intentions also mean finding your own version of personal time that allow you to recharge, whether it’s a short walk around the block, an hour of yoga, or an evening of reading with a warm cup of tea at hand.
It may feel selfish to block out time on your calendar for yourself, especially when so many things at work and at home need to get done. Yet, making time for yourself is nothing to feel guilty about. By refilling your cup and giving your batteries a recharge, you’re better poised to manage the demands of work and be more present around others.
Truth is – there is simply just no virtue in constantly putting yourself last on the list. How can you give to others when you are depleted yourself?
Tip 3: Spend mindful time outside
There’s plenty of research that back up the benefits of spending time in nature, whether that’s a short walk around the park or a weekend escape to the woods.
Simple activities like listening to the birds or walking over rustling leaves allow our minds to think more clearly and boost our mood. Spending time outdoors is beneficial all year long, but particularly at those moments when you need clarity, crave relaxation, and want to refocus.
Our favorite way to do this, of course, is at Slow Cabins, a slow escape to an off-the-grid cabin tucked somewhere in the middle of untouched nature close to home with everything you need and nothing you don’t. But however you decide to enjoy time outside, make sure you do it regularly!
Cheers to a wonderful 2021 with renewed mindful intentions ahead!
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