A fresh, new year is the perfect time to reflect on our lives, renew our spirits, and re-evaluate what we want more of–and less of–in the months to come. This isn’t always easy, however, in a world full of blinking text messages, pinging laptops, and vibrating wristwatches.
To truly rekindle our energy and recalibrate our lifestyles, our brains need designated time to focus. One sure way to achieve this is to take on an analog state of mind. Here are five ways you can disconnect in order to reconnect, no power cords required.
Pay Attention to Your Body
The health of your body directly impacts your mind and spirit. What does yours need most right now? Try a meditative walk to clear your mind while paying close attention to the sights, sounds, and scents that you encounter. Participate in a Yoga session, gently stretching your muscles as you increase your flexibility. Or, if you’ve had too much movement during the busy holiday season, a therapeutic massage may be just right to get your life back in balance.
Surround Yourself With Beauty
When you think about something beautiful, what comes to mind? Fine art? A tasteful interior? Classical music? A sunset? When something is lovely, striking, or memorable, our emotions are stirred to create sensations of hope, awe, and inspiration. Make a list of places and things that give you that glowing feeling, then carve out time to experience them. The pleasing aesthetic emotions you’ll experience will stir your heart, and calm your mind.
Spend Time in the Great Outdoors
Getting close to nature offers endless therapeutic benefits. Gaining valuable Vitamin D from sunshine, feeling the earth under our feet, and taking in fresh air gives an energy boost while providing a welcome break from our indoor lifestyles. Fill up the tanks of your body and spirit by exploring a new hike, making time for gardening, or simply carving out an hour to sit outside.
Pick Up a Pen, Pencil, or Paintbrush
Make creating more visceral, intentional, and memorable by using your hands rather than a keyboard. Try journaling your new year’s goals with a fountain pen, sketching your ideas with a graphite pencil, or illustrating your thoughts with watercolors. The tactile stimulation of a writing instrument connects your body to your brain, and using paper provides a positive sense of permanence.
Unwind With Quiet Hobbies
In our world of “look at me” Social Media posts and televised talent shows, one tends to forget the thought-provoking benefits of quiet hobbies. Crafting, sewing, woodworking, or reading allow you to discover and design while providing a healthy distraction for your mind. Try spreading out a puzzle, building a model plane, or pulling out the crayons and markers and staying in the lines (or not) with a coloring book.
Whether you choose to give your body some love, view something stunning, get outside for an afternoon, write, paint, or draw, or relax with a peaceful pastime, make space in the new year to disconnect from technology and reconnect with yourself. A perfect place to start is by planning a getaway at Ancient Lore Village, where screen-free experiences abound. We look forward to seeing you in 2023!
