The New Year is approaching fast and articles about reaching your weight loss goals are popping up everywhere. While the New Year is a great time to finally commit to getting in shape, it's also a great time to cultivate habits that will benefit you beyond the size of your waist. As the years come and go, it seems we only get busier and busier. While busyness can be productive, it often takes away from living in the moment. Below are three habits that will encourage a year spent in the now.
1. Put Your Cell Phone Down
I want you to take the time to truly ask yourself how often you are looking at your phone. For a lot of people, myself included, we're addicted to our tablets and smartphones. Aside from the complications associated with Electromagnetic Radiation, the amount of time we're spending on our phone is taking away from the amount of time we're spending in the moment. This year I invite you to look at your phone less and invest that extra time in the now. Whether that moment be a distraction free dinner with your significant other or a peaceful walk with your furry friend, reward yourself this year with more cellphone-less moments.
2. Wake Up Grateful
When was the last time you stopped to think about how amazing your life is? Chances are things are going pretty well for you if you have a roof over your head and food on your table. I invite you to wake up each morning and recognize this. By taking the time to list of 5 things you're grateful for, you encourage yourself to slow down and connect with the now. Plus, starting your morning on a grateful note with set yourself up to move through your day with a thankful heart, and who knows what could happen if we all lived with a little more appreciation.
3. Make Eye Contact
Can you remember the last time you made eye contact with someone? For a lot of us, our on-the-go-lifestyle can cause us to miss out on the simple human interaction eye contact brings. We often thank the cashier at the grocery store while staring into our phones. We say "I love you" while watching the TV. Even though our words are truthful, our lack of eye contact can make them seem disingenuous. Slow down this New Year, and take the time to truly connect with those around you by simply making eye contact.
The habits mentioned above may be simple, but their power to bring us into the present moment may just change your whole year. I wish you a happy, and meaningful 2016.