Setting Mindful Intentions for the New Year by Carolina Messick
Happy New Year! As we kick off 2024, now is the perfect time to set our intentions to instill a healthier mindset and foster overall wellness. An intention is a statement that reflects your values and objectives, helping you focus on the here and now. An example of this could be “I will allow myself to take up space and be authentic” or “I will be kind to myself and others.” The main difference between resolutions and intentions is that resolutions focus on achieving concrete goals (e.g., I will run a 10k marathon).
In contrast, intentions are more flexible and focus on guiding principles (e.g., I will prioritize an active lifestyle). Mindful intentions can create awareness, clarify, and instill purpose in your life. While most New Year’s resolutions focus on improving your physical health, it’s essential also to prioritize emotional and mental health. Here are ways you can set practical intentions to achieve holistic wellness and a balanced mindset:
- Reflect on the Past Year
Start by looking back on the past year. It’s helpful to reflect on your achievements in the past year, no matter how small the win was, and the challenges you faced. In doing so, you’ll learn valuable lessons that can serve as the foundation for your new year’s intentions. This can also empower you to create meaningful and realistic intentions for yourself.
- Identify Growth Areas
Think about what you want to improve surrounding your mental health. Whether learning how to cope with stress, improving self-esteem, or fostering healthy relationships – whatever would benefit you the most. These growth areas can help you build a roadmap towards improved mental health.
- Prioritize Self-Care
Make an effort to include self-care in your routine. Self-care allows you to prioritize your needs and maintain your overall well-being. This can vary from person to person, whether going to the gym or getting enough sleep at night. You can practice self-care by setting these self-care goals during challenging times.
- Maintain Your Relationships
Recognize how important your social network is. Your network can include your family, friends, coworkers, and anyone who provides emotional and practical support. These relationships can help you in times of need and provide a broader insight into your life, allowing you to develop resilience in stressful situations.
Setting and sticking to your intentions will take time and patience. Write your intentions down in a place where you can remember and check back in with yourself. This can be your phone, journal/planner, or social media. Remember that no one expects you to hit the ground running immediately. Take things one step at a time based on your comfort level, and go from there. The intention setting comes from a place of understanding and humility, moving towards positive change. Be kind to yourself and enjoy your adventures in the new year.
Resources:
- Categories: