Last year, we talked about setting new year’s intentions rather than resolutions. The thinking here is that resolutions are outcome-focused. If you fall short of your goal, you’ll feel like you’ve failed. With intentions, though, you can sink into the process, enjoying the progress you make and what you learn along the way — regardless of where you land by the end of the year.
Maybe you already set some intentions for the new year. But if you missed the January 1 mark, you’re not too late. We’ve still got a lot of year ahead of us. And taking some time to set thoughtful intentions helps you focus on what will truly be beneficial for you, not just a to-do to cross off your list.
With that in mind, we’ve got some suggestions. Here are three intentions for a healthier 2022.
Get outside every day
If you want to a way to boost your physical and mental health, set an intention to spend some time outdoors each day. This doesn’t have to be a huge task. Just five minutes outside can be enough to reshift your focus. Plus, time in the fresh air delivers some serious health benefits, from higher levels of vitamin D to lower levels of anxiety and better sleep.
Make an effort to get outside daily, or at least on most days. When you do, try to get into natural, undeveloped space. Studies have shown that getting into green spaces and spending time by the ocean both benefit our mental health.
Establish a sleep cycle
Good sleep matters. It helps you focus, boosts brain function, supports your heart health, reduces symptoms of depression, and more.
All that said, sleep can feel elusive. You might put it on your list of intentions for healthier 2022 only to lie in bed tossing and turning each night.
Fortunately, your body has a hack you can use to make it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. It’s called your circadian rhythm.
Basically, this rhythm cycles throughout the day, helping you feel tired near bedtime and making it easier to wake up in the morning. The trick, though, is that your circadian rhythm needs consistency. To get support from your body’s natural sleep cycle, you need to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Set an intention to establish a sleep routine for yourself. Getting your bedroom set up for sleep and finding a nighttime routine you love — like reading and enjoying a cup of tea for 30 minutes before bed — can make it easier to stick to your schedule.
Talk to someone
We benefit from social connection. If you want to be happier, healthier, and live longer, make it a point to seek out opportunities to spend time with others this year. That could be friends, family, coworkers, or anyone else.
As the pandemic continues to make social gatherings unpredictable, don’t be afraid to turn to your phone. A video call can go a long way to fight the loneliness a lot of us have felt in the last two years.
And if you need someone to talk to, we’re here. At the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center, our team of compassionate therapists can help you navigate life’s ups and downs. If you need or want to talk, don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can set something up for you.
