3 Practices I’m Embracing for Rest This December
I want more peace than hustle/busy-ness
It’s that time of the year. The one where everyone is running, busy and stressed. Whether it’s from the holidays, the rush to polish off things we said we’d get done or things that just pop up out of the blue.
However, I don’t want stress to be what defines my month. I want it to be more laid back, reflective but still a time of calm.
Here’s what I’m doing to ensure peace this December:
Doing a meditation at the beginning of each day
I have a membership that I hardly ever use. When I do, I feel more mindful and aware, not to mention lighter.
There are a lot of other mindfulness and meditative practices without the membership. However, I like the person who runs the program.
Why don’t I take the time for these practices? I think it’s because I let the everyday stuff and expectations of others come first.
However, I’m changing that this month, one morning at a time.
Doing a Journal Page or Spread Each Day
I find a lot of joy in working with creative journaling.
I don’t do it consistently enough. However, I do love how it can be used so many different ways. Pages can be created for tracking habits, moods, and health/financial information. It can also serve as a scrapbook of memories I’m making each month. A place to keep ideas or random thoughts.
I’m prioritizing spe nding time in my journal this month. While mine will look different because I’m not one for the holidays, I still want to do a daily page.
Seeking Balance
Right now, for example, I’m doing two readathons which can be competitive. However, I’m letting myself off the hook.
I’m not going to force myself to read 24+ books. If it happens, it happens, but I’d rather seek balance of activity and times where I don’t have to be “on”.
The time that you allow yourself to unplug is crucial. I too often forget that.
I Haven’t Planned Out 2023
My college advisor often gave me the same advice: “Don’t make any decisions when you’re tired (stressed, overwhelmed, etc)”.
I’m hoping that by taking things slower the first two or three weeks of December, I’ll be in a better place to decide what I really want this next year.
