Welcome to Slowanuary!
Happy New Year!!!!! Oh I do love the feeling of a fresh new year, the chance to take stock of the year that has just come to an end, learn from the lessons that came with our experiences and make plans for how we want to create our lives in the year to come.
HOWEVER I do NOT think January is a time to be leaping into action, going after all our dreams for the year and embarking on new projects and healthy habits. In fact I feel so strongly about this that I have decided to rebrand January Slowanuary - yep, we are taking it slooooooow 😍
Just as Monday is the warm-up day of the week, I view January as the warm up month of the year.
And in this Pep-Talk I talk you through just how we’re going to do that and WHY it is so important to start the year, not by leaping into action, but by taking a breath and going inward.
And here are some daily suggestions of things you can do as part of Slowanuary to get you started:
SLOWANUARY ACTIVITIES:
Mindful Morning Routine - Start your day with 10 minutes of mindfulness or meditation to set a calm tone for the day ahead.
Unplug for an Hour - Disconnect from technology for at least one hour. Use this time to engage in a hobby, read a book, or take a leisurely walk.
Gratitude Journaling - Write down three things you're grateful for today. Reflect on the positives in your life.
Enjoy Nature - Spend time outdoors, whether it's a walk in the park, hiking, or simply sitting in your garden. Notice the beauty around you.
Slow Mealtime - Practice mindful eating. Sit down without distractions and savor each bite of your meal.
Digital Declutter - Organize your digital space. Clean up your emails, delete unnecessary files, and declutter your digital life.
Self-Care Sunday - Dedicate today to self-care. Take a relaxing bath, practice yoga, or do something that brings you joy.
Reflective Writing - Set aside time to journal about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences from the past week.
Deep Breathing Exercises - Practice deep breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Creative Expression - Engage in a creative activity that allows you to express yourself, whether it's drawing, painting, or writing poetry.
Read a Book - Set aside time to read a book that interests you. Let yourself get lost in the story.
Mindful Walk - Take a slow, mindful walk. Pay attention to your surroundings, notice the sensations in your body, and breathe deeply.
Prioritize Sleep - Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure you get a restful night's sleep.
Connect with a Loved One - Reach out to a friend or family member you haven't spoken to in a while. Have a meaningful conversation.