5 Mindful Resolutions For The New Year
The new year is a perfect time to take stock and reassess any areas of your life you’d like to improve on. Adopting mindful resolutions can help contribute to your overall well-being and personal growth.
Practice daily mindfulness
It’s important to practice daily mindfulness for better mental well-being. To achieve this, dedicate a few minutes daily to mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. This will help reduce stress, improve focus, and make it a sustainable habit. You can also use mobile apps to assist you with mindfulness goals and achieve a physical and psychological synergy that can help you reduce stress.
There are many brilliant apps on the market, like The Mindfulness App, which helps you manage stress through deep breathing exercises, and Headspace, which teaches the fundamental techniques of meditation and mindfulness. Also beneficial is Sanvello, which is designed to help you tackle stress and anxiety through the use of cognitive behavioural therapy and controlling your thoughts.
Cultivate gratitude and practise kindness
In the land of ‘Ubuntu/Botho’, where there is an age-old philosophy emphasising that you are because of others, being supportive towards others is part of our culture. Helping those in need is the daily focus of charitable organisations, however, every one of us can contribute to a better South Africa, each in our small way.
It starts with being thankful for who you are and where you are, says Dalit Shekel, Key Accounts Manager at Relate Bracelets, a not-for-profit social enterprise that raises funds for charitable causes. “Keep a gratitude journal and regularly jot down things you’re thankful for in your life. We live in such an unpredictable world that being grateful each day for what you have is a worthwhile New Year’s resolution to adopt.”
“Exercising gratefulness brings about a more contented attitude. Focusing on gratitude shifts your perspective towards the more positive aspects of life and generates positive thoughts. It’s a mindset that engenders kindness towards others, as you are already being kind to yourself,” she adds.
Schedule breaks in nature
Take time out from your daily routine to unwind and relax in natural surroundings. Spending time in nature is a great way to improve your mental health. Remember, the key to successful resolutions is to start small, be realistic, and gradually integrate them into your daily routine. Also, be kind to yourself and acknowledge that progress, not perfection, is the goal. Regularly review and adjust your resolutions as needed to ensure they remain relevant and achievable throughout the year.
According to a study conducted by the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter, spending approximately 120 minutes per week in natural surroundings like woodlands or coastlines can enhance your well-being and promote a healthier mindset. The study found that these two hours can be spread out over the week or done all at once.
Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel, states that in today’s fast-paced work culture, there is a growing trend of people seeking relaxing getaways in natural settings such as the Kruger National Park. The park’s world-renowned beauty provides guests with a peaceful environment to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and rejuvenate themselves.
Surrounded by nature, guests are encouraged to disconnect from their electronic devices and the constant urge to check emails, messages, or social media. This detachment from technology allows them to truly relax and recharge. The awe-inspiring, untouched landscape also inspires a deeper connection to oneself and nature.
Limiting screen time and taking digital detox breaks can help promote mental and emotional well-being.
Set specific times to disconnect from electronic devices and engage in screen-free activities. It’s important to know that constant exposure to screens can lead to stress and disrupt sleep patterns. This is why it is essential to set boundaries with technology so that you can have more meaningful connections with yourself and others.
Less screen time and exposure to blue light can have a positive impact on our sleep patterns. Experts suggest that limiting your time on laptops or cell phones two hours before bedtime can improve relaxation and melatonin production. During this time, you can engage in activities such as body-scanning meditation or spending quality time with your family.
Reducing screen time during the day can also be beneficial. If you want to spend more time connecting with your friends and family in 2024, consider trying screen-free experiences with them. These experiences could include live entertainment where you can focus on your senses and enjoy the moment. You could also try culinary experiences such as Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront’s Flaming Friday’s bespoke braai event.
During this event, the dishes are cooked live in front of you, and you and your table will need to get up and explore the menu options for your starters, mains, and dessert. This way, you and your loved ones can interact with the food experience and generate conversations around shared experiences.
Prioritise self-care
Remember to prioritize your self-care by scheduling regular activities such as taking a bath, reading a book, or engaging in a hobby. This is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Self-care is the conscious participation in activities that improve a person’s overall well-being. In today’s world, many people work long hours and may feel like they always need to be productive. This can take away from the opportunity to indulge in self-care. However, taking time for yourself has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, lessen stress, and increase joy.
According to Lerato Tlhame, Spa Manager at Amani Spa & Wellness at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre in Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo, there are many big and small ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. These include finding a new healthy recipe and learning how to make it, writing down your feelings, thoughts, and goals in a journal, committing to a digital detox, and treating yourself to a relaxing massage or spa treatment.
For example, the Mindful Massage at Amani Spa & Wellness is inspired by ageless holistic practices and combines gentle yoga movements, breathing, and meditation, followed by a signature aromatherapy massage to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote complete relaxation. After the treatment, you can decompress in their Himalayan Salt Room, which is the biggest of its kind in South Africa.