A Blissful Life 12/12/23: Life Sweep For The New Year
Energetically, the new year is a time to set intentions that support a healthier, upgraded version of self. In this week’s column, I put on my health coaching hat and share a variety of small lifestyle focuses that can help you step into your potential.
EATING HABITS: Are you present with your food while you eat? Is eating a pleasurable experience? Consider starting each meal by seeing the colors on your plate, smelling the delicious aromas, and taking 3-5 deep breaths to settle and relax before starting the act of eating. Ask yourself, am I chewing my food well? Take time to chew each bite thoroughly before swallowing. Finally, notice how your body reacts to different foods and honor it by choosing foods that work for you– not what you think you should eat based on the media and other people.
RELATIONSHIPS: List 5 things you are grateful for each morning and watch how small gratitudes light up your life. Do your best to be on good terms with people, especially your partner, parents, children, siblings, friends, and coworkers. Make an effort to communicate with them regularly. If you are on bad terms with someone, start to actively practice forgiveness and work toward making amends. Lastly, celebrate what is new and good in your life rather than focusing on what is not working and take action from this space of gratitude.
HYGIENE: Increase your circulation by scrubbing your entire body with a hot, damp washcloth in the morning and at night. Alternatively, you can use an exfoliating glove in the shower. Allow your skin to breathe by wearing materials and fits of clothing that feel good on your body. Choose 100% organic cotton as much as possible and avoid synthetic fabrics. Use “clean” hygiene products, avoiding those that contain chemicals and artificial perfumes(– essential oils are a great alternative). Your skin is your largest organ, and anything you put on topically gets absorbed and affects your chemistry. Finally, allow your energy to circulate. Avoid wearing excess jewelry or clothing that is too tight.
ATTITUDE: Preserve your energy by giving generously, but only from a place of true desire to serve and only when you have the energy to do so. Honor negative emotions by actively working through them so that you can organically move to a place of authentic positivity. Enjoy life and develop a sense of humor! Sing happy songs, dance, laugh– keep things light, relax your jaw and face. Feel gratitude for your food. Take a minute to give thanks before and after every meal. Lastly, create a beautiful environment that supports you, maintaining a positive attitude and enjoying the process of becoming healthier and happier each day!
MEDITATION & EXERCISE: Recharge by embracing daily quiet time, which can include prayer, finding space to take some deep breaths, and/or meditation. Also, enjoy physical movement. Include daily exercise in your life to boost your vitality and feel good in your body. Finally, experiment with different exercise styles to see what works for you. Try yoga, Pilates, martial arts, walking, running, biking, skating, swimming, dancing, weight lifting, or a competitive sport!
HOME PRACTICES: Keep your home in good order, remembering that your external environment is a reflection of your internal environment. Freshen and enrich the oxygen content of the air by including large green plants in every room, if possible. Finally, minimize your screen time. When you do use devices, consider wearing blue-blocking glasses and maintain a good distance between you and the screen.
I hope you found this information useful. Much of it is from my IIN health coaching training. If there is a wellness related topic you want to hear about, text me your requests at 917-318-1168. As always, I invite you to join us at Ocean Bliss Yoga for yoga, Pilates, meditation, sound healing, and so much more. Browse offerings and sign up at oceanblissyoga.net. New workshops are added each month.