Let's not make resolutions this year. Try this instead...

December 2, 2019

Bohem

Hello again!!

So with 2020 upon us in less than a month, it's important for us to set the mindset and tone for how we want our new year to go.

For most people that includes setting new year resolutions. The problem with that is the resolutions are often unrealistic because they are a major jump from the lifestyle they were living just a few days ago. For example "Starting January 1st: Go to the gym everyday." If that wasn't already a part of your lifestyle, chances are you aren't going to keep it up. Then, the tone of failure or broken promises to self is set for the first part of your year.

So, here are some ways to combat that and not only start your year off right but keep the lifestyles changes going for the rest of the year.

Eating habits:

In my experience, a change to your eating habits has to be one of the hardest transitions. If you're anything like me, you like what you like and eating what you like makes you happy. For me, I eased that transition with a few different steps. Keep in mind that I am now fully vegan and also transitioning to gluten free. I also have PCOS so these changes have made a major difference in working through those symptoms.

1. Trying new foods

-I make a point to try new (healthy) dishes when I go out to eat and to pick up new foods when I am grocery shopping.

-I also peruse Pinterest for recipes under different categories than I normally try and actually try them out. (vegan, gluten free, vegan keto (yes, that's a thing), raw vegan etc.) I just have fun with it.

2. Allow myself cheat days and meals

-This one is pretty self explanatory but I allow these days or meals so that I don't let the cravings get to the point where I can't fight them. Which is more than likely to happen when I quit something cold turkey.

-This also helps me practice my self control. If I set the intention of starting out with one cheat day a week then that is what I stick to.

3. Incorporate the healthy foods bit by bit.

-For example, trading out vegan butter for regular butter. I honestly can't tell the difference at this point. Here's the butter that I use not an ad (Vegan Butter).

-This goes hand in hand with trying new foods. You can then work your way toward whatever goal you've set.

Working Out:

So this is still something I am working on and that's ok. I don't actually hate working out. I am also a certified fitness coach. But...I'm lazy. The hard part for me is getting up, out the house and to the gym. It's smooth sailing after that. My goal as far as fitness is simply to be strong. I want muscle definition and to be toned but those are the perks that come with the strength. When I am on my fitness high, this is how I got there:

1. Start at home

-No need for equipment or weights. You can start with your body weight, at home. Here are some awesome body weight workouts you can do no matter your level of fitness. (Source: Pinterest)

A One-and-Done Workout_ Burn Calories an

A Fat Loss Diet Vs Weight Loss Diet - Th

Epic_Lucky_7_Workout_for_a_Full_Body_Bur

2. Find an accountability buddy

-This does not need to be someone you go to the gym with. Here are some other options:

-Internet friend you check in with before and after your work out

-Friend you call during your workout

-Someone or a group you walk with weekly

-Facebook Groups

- A fitness app with reminders. Here are some examples(not an ad):

Move - Daily Activity to Stay Healthy

Stand Up! The Work Break Timer

StandApp

Randomly RemindMe

Stretching & Eye Exercises

Office Exercise & Stretch.

Awareness

Big Stretch Reminder

Fitbit

Samsung Health

-You can also go hard and find a personal trainer. When you are paying for something you are more likely to stick with it.

Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is something you will ALWAYS have to work on.

By definition:

| ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs | NOUN

1) the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.

2) a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

That is nothing to be intimidated by. There are levels and just like the two topics we just went over, it's about the journey and not the destination. Here are some things to keep in... MIND 😂😂😂😂

*clears throat* Moving on:

1. Meditation

-Guided meditation is my first suggestion for you. It has helped me discipline my mind way more than just sitting in silence has. The guided meditations actually have helped me get to the point where I can sit in silence. There are tons available on YouTube and a few in my shop (more to come).

-Meditation Apps are also an amazing tool for mindset training. You can set timers, reminders and schedules. Here are some to try out:

Headspace.
Calm
Aura
Stop, Breathe & Think
Insight Timer (personal favorite)

2. Shadow Work Exercises.

Think back to your most stressful time.

Write down:

Your emotions at the time.

What image pops in your head when you think of it?

What triggers do you still hold onto today from that time?

Now visualize each of those sentences lifting off the page and dissipating into the sky. Leave those negative feelings to the universe. They are no longer yours.

Now, think about your most prosperous time.

Write down:

Your emotions at the time.

What image pops in your head when you think of it?

What feeling sticks with you the most from that time?

Hone in on that strong positive feeling. Imagine it manifesting itself in your heart center and then spreading all over your body. Revisit it every time you feel yourself beginning to slip into a negative headspace.

You're going to write 3 letters to:

The person that hurt you the most
The person that changed you the most
The person that you can depend on the most

In these letters write out everything you have ever wanted to say to them but couldn't or haven't.

After you've finished, find a flowing body of water or a fire not where you live. After doing a grounding meditation put the letters in one by one.

Release.

You owe yourself an apology.

Take some time to write out a letter apologizing to yourself for mistreatment, neglect and abuse you may have subjected yourself to over the years. Be open and honest with yourself.

Bonus: is there something you have always blamed someone else for but in hindsight it was your fault?

Those are just a few exercises.

So these are just a few ways to start your year off right. Ways to integrate health, wellness and mindfulness into your life.

If you are looking for some one on one coaching feel free to shoot me a message.

I look forward to growing with you. See you soon!

High Priestess, Out!