Happy New Year! The new year is at once an opportunity for renewal and recalibration; however, this can often spill over into hyperbole about radical transformation and change, which can take away from the potential that the start of the year holds to make intentional choices about how you want to approach your health and wellbeing in 2022.
Instead of focusing on what you lack, or what you aren’t doing, we prefer to use this time as an opportunity to take stock of the rituals and practices that have supported you during the last 12 months (and let’s be honest, 2021 was full of challenges and stressors to overcome) and to consider the routines you want to recommit to or reintegrate going forward, leaving behind any habits that no longer serve you. The start of this year was also accompanied by the reintroduction of pandemic restrictions, which may have thrown a wrench into your wellness routine or aspirations, while also bringing with it a fresh wave of stress and uncertainty about what the next few months will look like for yourself and your family.
We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again – when we take care of ourselves first, we are in a far better position to take care of others and face whatever twists and turns might come our way in the upcoming year. In 2022, let’s try our best to stay grounded by creating routines that inspire inner peace and happiness. Below are some of the practices we’ll be relying on this year to remain calm, cool and collected, no matter what life throws at us.
Step into the new year with grace, ease and intention.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness promotes awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours while helping us stay focused on the present. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, restore emotional balance and even reduce physical pain in the body while improving cognition and protecting the brain from succumbing to disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Meditation, breathwork, journaling, and yoga are amongst some of the more popular forms of mindfulness, but there are opportunities to bring greater awareness and attention into even the most simple daily activities like eating, showering, and walking. If you’re looking for additional resources, there are apps like Headspace to help you get started.
COOKING FRESH, COLOURFUL MEALS
As we approach the 2 year anniversary of the start of the pandemic, it's been made abundantly clear how our health is not something we can take for granted. Supporting our health and immunity starts with the choices we make when it comes to nourishing ourselves. We were so lucky to speak to nutritionists and chefs as part of our Madge Love Talks series in the fall, and the universal advice we received when it came to diet was to eat a varied diet that incorporates as many plants as possible, along with healthy fats and protein. To further enhance your wellbeing, incorporating functional foods, superfoods and adaptogens can help to optimize your health. With indoor dining being closed, there’s never been a better time to try out new recipes.
MOVEMENT
The health benefits of regular physical activity have been proven time and again. Exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of disease, and relieving symptoms of health conditions, and even certain menopause symptoms. When you exercise, the body releases endorphins which contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, and more energy. Moving your body has also been proven to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and have a better night’s rest. Whether it’s going for walks, stretching, or taking a class, what matters most is finding an activity you enjoy. With the closure of gyms and fitness studios, for now, it’s a good time to try out something new online. Some of our favourite online classes include Body Harmonics (Pilates), SkyTing TV (yoga and meditation), and Sphinx Pilates (ELDOA and Pilates).
EVENING ROUTINE
Having a relaxing nighttime routine has been noted as an integral part of getting a good night’s sleep, which is an essential part of feeling well. As with all self-care practices, your individual preferences will determine exactly what that looks like, but some things to consider when developing a routine or elaborating what you’re already doing include:
Creating a cozy, comfortable space to rest. Think candles, blankets, comfy pajamas, a diffuser with essential oils that promote calm...
Listening to relaxing music. We have a playlist that might be helpful here.
Reading or journaling before bed.
Shutting down electronics ahead of your ideal bedtime to avoid disruption to your natural sleep cycle from blue light.
Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.
Gently stretching your body before bed to release any tension or stress you may be holding in your body.
Wherever you are in your wellness journey, we’d love to hear how you approach the new year, and what rituals or routines you’ll be relying on to feel your best. You can get in touch with us here.
In wellness,
Madge Love