We start off every year with the best of intentions: be healthier, travel more, try new things, read more, and so on. January and February are the months for full yoga classes, canceling Netflix subscriptions, emptying social schedules and spending time in the great outdoors. There’s no better way to combat, what is often considered, a tough time of year, than by incorporating some positive, healthy habits into your lifestyle.
With no Christmas to look forward to – or to budget for – a lot of time and money tends to free up in the first few months of the year. This is not only perfect for researching and booking your next holiday, but also for investing in some gadgets and accessories that make some positive habits easier.
We’ve created a list of some mindfulness tech to look out for – any of which will give the millennial woman the right kick start to the new year.
The right timepiece
For a life on-the-go filled with work events, sport and social activities, the right timepiece is an absolute must for staying on top of your calendar. Finding the right balance of stylish and functional can be difficult even at the best of times. Whether choosing from a range of popular classics on a digital marketplace like the Seiko collection, or opting for something a bit more affordable yet with a retro feel like a Casio, having the right watch will be sure to add a touch of organization to any lifestyle. Sometimes, pulling out your smartphone may be inappropriate or rude, or perhaps you run the risk of it being robbed on a busy street – either way, a discreet watch is just the answer.
An app for yoga, mindfulness or meditation
There’s no doubt about the fact that mindfulness – whether by means of yoga or meditation – is something we should all be working on. Many of us are riddled with anxiety, phases of feeling low, and struggling with stress. With this in mind, devoting time to our mental health should always be top of our priority list. As two of the LD staff discovered, assigning yourself some time to practice yoga or meditation on a daily basis can do wonders for the mind. From a five minute morning ritual to an hour-long session, this could be one of the healthiest habits you take up all year. To make things easier, there are apps like Headspace, 5 Minute Yoga or Smiling Mind – each offering certain routines or lessons in bringing your attention back to where it belongs. Do your research and find one to fit your needs.
Absorb information with the right podcast
Perhaps you’ve promised yourself to cut back overdosing on the latest Netflix series in just one sitting. If so, finding a way to redirect your attention to something a bit more educational yet equally as entertaining, is a good way about it. Podcasts are an excellent way to divert your attention. Not only can you multitask with them, but there’s also a wealth of resources to learn from. From music to cooking, politics and even sci-fi, there really is something to suit every taste. If struggling with inspiration, have a look at The Atlantic’s top 50 podcasts of 2017.
