New Year, Same You (Social)

New Year. Same You.

Reset, Relax and Recharge to Be Your Best!

Reset: Mindful Meditation

Happy New Year from GumGum! In the wake of the pandemic, this holiday season has looked different for many of us. We want to be mindful of everyone's mental and physical well- being. Let's take the time to reset our minds, and recharge our bodies to become the best version of ourselves in 2022.

Breathe

Recharge: Stay Active

It seems simple, but just remember to breathe. When your mind wanders, try to focus on sounds and sensations around you to calm your nerves, set your intentions and get ready for the day. Whether it is a minute or an hour, it's important to take some time for yourself.

Manifest

Meditation, gratefulness and setting goals can help manifest success. Studies prove that meditation increases the size of brain regions associated with emotional regulation, cultivating positive emotions.

For Legs

If you're sitting in a chair, keep your feet flat on the floor and your spine straight. If you're sitting cross-legged on a cushion, the important thing is to have your knees below your hips. If you need a higher seat, make one.

For Eyes

You can even relax your eyes! If you want the meditative experience to be more body-based, close your eyes. If you want to feel more anchored in the space you're in, keep them open.

Me Time

Meditation isn't about length, it's about frequency. In the same way you don't get strong by lifting one giant weight one time, consistency is key. Five minutes a day is a great start.

Relax: Treat Yourself

Steaming Cup of Tea!

Not as energizing as coffee, a nice hot tea is a great way to wind down from your day. Different kinds have different benefits, but the act of taking a few minutes to sit down and relax can be immediately calming and rejuvenating.

Watch Relaxing Videos

Sometimes, one of the best ways to calm down is to watch something. Humans are visual creatures, so watching something is a great way to focus your mind away from your worries. Here are several TV shows recommended for you to watch: BuzzFeed Tasty Primitive Technology Night on Earth Peaceful Cuisine

Listen to Relaxing Music

Listening to soft music signals to your mind and body to relax. Even if it’s not your favorite, try listening to a playlist of calming music. Here are several healing sounds which can help you calm down: Nature sounds Ambience Sleep hypnosis Lullaby White noise ASMR

A Good Book/Podcast is Good for the Soul

Reading is proven to reduce stress and increase relaxation. In a study conducted by the University of Sussex, individuals who had read for merely six minutes exhibited slower heart rates, less muscle tension and reduced stress levels. Here are some of our favorite books: Just Sit by Sukey & Elizabeth Novogratz The Dogist by Elias Weiss Friedman The Little Book of Calm by Paul Wilson Podcasts: Deep Energy Sleep with Me

Slow Down

Give yourself permission to take things slow. Self-care is an important part of our physical and emotional well-being. Sitting down with a good book, re-watching your favorite movie or going on a walk is a good way to take a break from the daily grind and do something nice for yourself. You deserve it!

Hydrate

Losing water from your body due to intense exercise can affect mood and is said to increase anxiety and fatigue. So it’s possible that if you are resting well and still feeling like tucking away below the sheets you are consuming less water. Drink more, and feel better!

Go on a Walk

A good walk can do wonders for your mental well-being. It improves self-perception and self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue. Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed, and staying active helps those who are depressed recover quicker.

Stretch

One way to calm your mind is to center your focus on your body. If you have a few minutes, a gentle stretching routine can help your body relax and release tension, in turn relaxing your mind. Stretching loosens tight muscles, which helps your muscles relax and increases blood flow. It may also improve quality of sleep by reducing mental stimulation, which is common in people who struggle with insomnia. If you want to know more about how to stretch before sleep, you can take a look at “8 Stretches to Do Before Bed“.

Exercise Plenty

Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size. Sure, exercise can improve your physical health, but that’s not what motivates most people to stay active! People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. And it’s also a powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges. The best way to stay active is to do what you love! A dance routine in the mirror, a yoga class, strength training, boxing, swimming or more. Do what makes you happy and reap the benefits!

Take the quiz

Meditate with Zenstop

Explore Relaxing Sounds

Here are a few tips to get you started along with a fun quiz to test your knowledge.

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