I’ve
never understood the New Year’s Resolution. Yes it is a new year, which may
seem like the perfect time for change, but it happens in the dead of winter - a
time when our bodies are in a state of hibernation, rest, and reflection. Spring,
on the other hand, is just around the corner and happens to be the season for
change and possibilities. So as we sit here in limbo between reflection (winter)
and change (spring), it is the perfect opportunity to dedicate a bit of time to
developing your ideal plan for a renewed you this 2014.
This
year I’d like to propose you challenge the idea of a New Year’s Resolution in
favor of a new paradigm – the intention. In many cases, a New Year’s Resolution
is a vague wish. Intentions, however, are the opposite and include a plan of
action, vision, and specific end goal, which can be very effective. Try this:
- Get clear on what you want. Jot down thoughts or draw pictures as they
relate to your ideal vision for 2014. Then create a detailed plan for how you
will achieve this vision.
- Create a vision board by gathering images and words that pertain to your
goal. Hang the collage in a spot where you’ll see it often.
- Do something to make your desire happen. Think baby steps!
After you’ve set your
intention, it is important to discover your motivation so that when you find
yourself wanting to just go back to your old familiar habits or faced with
setbacks that you can persevere. To find your motivation, ask yourself: what is
it costing me not to take action? And make sure to look deep and think not just
of the immediate consequences but keep asking “then what?” until you get to the
bottom of it and tap into the emotions that come with the outcome. Ask
yourself “then what?” at least 5 times and see where it takes you. When you get
to the emotional root of the issue, you know you’ve found your true motivation,
which will make you more eager to stick to your plan and work harder to accomplish
your goal!
Next, I’d like you to label
your setbacks and find support. What is preventing you from reaching your goal?
Most likely your answer boils down to stress, which may manifest as
frustration, fatigue, anxiety, or depression. Stress management can be
approached holistically from many angles to improve concentration, energy,
mood, and efficiency. Here are a few of my favorite stress-busters:
- ·
Sighing is a completely
natural function. We are all born knowing how to sigh, can do it
subconsciously, and it is the last thing we do before leaving out earthly
bodies. Do this several times and you will begin to notice your breath
naturally comes and goes like an ocean wave.
- ·
Exercise,
especially cardiovascular exercise, releases endorphin, which is a feel-good
hormone. It will take your mind off your stressors as well as your normal
comfort “food” (whether that be fat, salt, sugar, or another crutch like
caffeine, smoking, etc.).
- ·
Often the
reason many of us are so stress is due to stifled creativity (self-expression). Our days are consumed by to do lists,
habits, and structure that we rarely take the opportunity to create anything,
be free or enjoy life. However, the freedom of creativity is awesome for
relieving tensions, improving your health and boosting your mood.
- ·
Reducing your
intake of sugar and other processed and refined foods helps
eliminate blood sugar fluctuations, which lead to mood swings and anxiety.
- ·
Stay hydrated. A hydrated body removes
toxins from the blood stream, prevents headaches, reduces fatigue, and helps
the mind work more clearly.
- ·
Time spent in nature has been proven to have mental
health, cognitive, and physical health benefits for both children and adults
and it also helps develop important life skills and characteristics.
- ·
Essential oils are powerful aromatic liquid substances that are extracted from plants
and have great medicinal properties. Look for uplifting citrus scents, calming
chamomile and lavender, and invigorating mints.
- ·
Spending time
with friends is excellent way to
reduce stress and receive encouragement as you work to achieve your goals.
As you set your intentions, discover your motivations and support your
growth process, don’t forget to include a plan to celebrate your achievement! And
always remember, renewed moms are the best moms. Welcome to the season of
possibilities!
* As published in Wise Mom, Spring 2014 Edition, Cover Story, Page 14. The Wise Mom is a quarterly, membership-based, digital magazine for the Holistic Moms Network, featuring articles from holistic healthcare practitioners and parenting experts. *
