Transitions can bring us from a place of discontent to one of satisfaction. As we embrace 2021, we’re welcoming positive change, but that idea can be a bit vague. Because we want you to achieve a healthy lifestyle, here are five ways you can improve your life this year.
Start with a visualization
Remember that age-old question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Well, it’s a visualization exercise you can apply to your life right now. Grab a blank piece of paper and some colored pencils, then map out your life. Do this without setting limitations and as if your desires are already alive in the present. For example, if you want to live in a glass house situated in a lush forest, don’t think: this is unrealistic; I live in a studio apartment in a crowded city—I’ll never do that. Instead, embrace your visions and draw them out as if they’re already here.
When you see it, the pathway opens, so let your imagination go wild.
What does the healthiest you look like?
Where do you live?
What does the air smell like when you step out on your front porch?
Who or what charges you in the morning?
How large is your bank account?
Eat, drink, and sleep mindfully
Mindfulness practices have grown in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason: our mental state impacts our physical health. Tip two, three, and four are to eat, drink, and sleep mindfully.
Depending on what phase of an Almased plan you’re in, we recommend eating nutritious foods. As you shop for ingredients, reflect on where they came from and give gratitude to the hands that brought them to you. When you sit down to eat, pay attention to every bite as you chew your food carefully and slowly.
When you get ready to have an Almased shake, be fully present where you are. Feel the can of Almased, take notice of the colors and the rich protein scent. If you are blending Almased into a smoothie, pay attention to your blender's buttons and the sounds the motor makes. When your serving glass reaches your lips, enrich your senses with every taste.
We hope you maintain a circadian rhythm that allows you to sleep when it’s dark out and remain active when the sun is shining. Create a bedtime routine, and go through it without a cellphone (or any blue light). Instead, tune into your body as you settle into your bed.
Welcome a new activity
The brain likes habits, but, to our benefit, this mysterious processor also enjoys learning new things. When we pick up a new hobby, such as rollerskating, competitive dance, video games, or writing a cookbook, the brain gets all fired up and creates new pathways. The added benefit is that you may uncover that you’re terrific at something you’ve been putting off for years, so try new things this year—plenty of them, and don’t be afraid to fail repeatedly; that’s how learning happens. On those days when you feel without motivation, ask your friends and family to cheer you on, virtually or in-person.
Have tips you want to share? Leave them in the comments, so we can encourage you along the way.
