1. Get outside & then get to bed
We’re all aware that getting a good night sleep and exercising are healthy things we should be doing for ourselves… but what we may not realize, is just exactly how connected the two concepts are. But it makes sense. Many of us work jobs that keep us indoors for the majority of our day but there are STILL ways to get outside and take some good, fresh breathes. Making it a priority to explore a new route through your city or trail in a nearby green space are fun ways to create “mini missions in your day”. Invite a co-worker to walk around the block or to a nearby park on your lunch break, get to know someone, maybe even enjoy it. All of this is going to sync your body and mind up and then allow them to wind down together as well. Stretching before bed can be incredibly helpful and relaxing as well, if you haven’t found time during the day. Take a moment or two for yourself. Night should be a cohesive time, not a chaotic one.
2. Daily grateful
The practice of starting every day off by writing down something that you are thankful for. If you feel like you’ve been seeing this theme everywhere, it’s probably because you have and that’s probably because it works. It works by giving you something positive to set the mood of your day to and that is huge. Gratitude fills you up and gives you worth. Gratitude allows you to take a step back and appreciate a new perspective on your life. We all have people and experiences we are grateful for, write it down, get it out and share it with the ones who’d love to hear it most.
3. Start growing your own food (even just a little bit)
We can all agree that fresh beats frozen when it comes to produce but the idea of growing a garden for some doesn’t seem spatially possible. Enter, window gardens! Many different types of vegetables, herbs and even some fruit can grow directly in water. This Allows you to grow a dirt and mess free garden space anywhere with enough light. If you have a window, you have room for a garden. Find the best design and fit for your home here.
4. Dog walker by day fireman by night
Getting involved with your community can be the greatest but you have to find your niche. For some folks, coaching kids soccer in the fall is a great way to spend time outside and influence the youth. Others may be enjoy volunteering with animals at their local shelter or non-profit organization. Whatever draws you in, volunteer fire fighting or helping organize at the food bank, give it a try! You may just end up making a friend or changing someone’s life.
5. Take up a hobby you used to love or have always wanted to try
Did you used to love watercolor painting when you were younger? Were you always the first one in the kitchen when it was time to bake cookies? Or maybe you just miss climbing trees and scraping your knees outside. Life comes at you fast these days and being a full fledged working adult often leaves us with very little time to focus on ourselves. The internet comes out with new hobbies for us daily, adding extra confusion to already overwhelmed brains. It can be hard to remember what actually makes you happy. So right now, take a moment to really think about what used to bring you joy as a youngster. Whatever it is, chances are you’d still really enjoy doing it!
Our own Maya Dooley decided to put her money where her mouth is this past summer and return full circle to a life long passion. Maya grew up working with and riding horses but when she hit high school, other focuses took priority and her horsin’ around days came to a halt. After taking a 15 year (or so) hiatus she realized that the only thing holding her back from her passion and her lifelong goal of owning her own horse, was her. So she went for it. And it turned out to be a pretty damn good idea! Pictured below is Maya and her Tennessee Walker/Thoroughbred mare Lou, enjoying the incredible weather we had this December. However you decide to start your new year, we hope it has you feeling good and out and about exploring your passions!
