Is this the New Year where you plan to make your life better like never before? Ever imagined that you grow as a person and nurture the human values and talents in you so as to live a more enriched life? If yes, then with the pointers below, it is going to be easy for you to live the life you wish for in 2022. Needless to say, as we wish others a happy new year, 2022 awaits a ‘new you’ as well. There are many ways to usher in the New Year at midnight. It is also the time to give yourself the best that you deserve. So, this New Year, discover a ‘New YOU’ with these 20 things in 2022 and make your life better.
These 20 things are specially curated for you!
1.) Slow down, live the moment:
With so much of unrest in society and across geographical boundaries, pledge to spread peace in the world. The first step to this is peace within. Prioritise your journey towards inner peace by fostering your emotional and mental well-being. Make time to encounter your inner world. Slow down. Breathe. Embrace the moment. Meditate. Make peace with yourself moment to moment in 2022. Peace is the new ‘you’.
2.) Positivity is the key
This year make it a point to consciously express positive things and train your mind to avoid communicating anything negative. If the negative event requires to be mentioned, see to it that you are to the point and refrain from getting descriptive about it. You will not only be instrumental in spreading positivity around you but you will also feed your consciousness with positive energy.
3.) Travel. Travel. Travel.
Go with people or go alone. And mind you, all trips need not be long ones, you can also go for a one night two days journey. All travels need not be a luxury, you can opt to rough it up too depending on your budget. But the point is to pacify the travel bug in you by actually travelling to weekend getaways rather than waiting to plan for that dream holiday, to that dream destination.
4.) Take a digital detox
While chat/ WhatsApp groups/ social media are the order of the day, this year consciously cut down on your time spent on social media. And it is best if you keep a check on how necessary is it for you to be on social media. Whenever the time is right, just take some time off and feel the lightness.
5.) Make ‘quality time’ possible
Pick up five relationships close to your heart or the ones that need attention, and nourish them - not only on social media or video/ audio calls or texting - but by spending quality time with them in person. Just surprise your loved ones wherever they are, and go with the flow.
(PS: Your loved ones could be more than five! We just took a minimum!)
6.) Explore the world through art
Along with motion pictures, invest in watching plays, stand-up comedies and LIVE musical concerts. So in 2022, while you check for the new Friday movie releases, also figure out auditoriums and what's in it for you. Explore the many forms of art, who knows which art may strike a chord! And, you may even take lessons in it!
7.) Limit your talking hours
As far as possible, resolve to not talk while eating. And also observe your thoughts while eating. Avoid thinking negative or even grumbling, complaining or gossiping while eating. Even in a group, ensure the conversations are joyful and life-supporting. Do this and feel the difference.
8.) Introspection leads to transformation
One hour before hitting the bed, make a conscious effort to stay away from Wi-Fi at home. Once practiced daily, it will become a habit. So switch off your mobile data and go for a stroll or listen to offline music or read a book or tell a bedtime story to a dear one or clean the sink and arrange the vessels or fold your washed clothes and keep the laundry. This practice can help you connect with yourself in the silence of the night. It may also give you time to introspect, a quality that brings clarity and right perception.
9.) Commit to your routine
Just keep that daily workout routine going. Even if it isn't happening regularly, don't wait for the first of next month or the next season to start all over again. Just move on and go the next day and the day after and set the ball rolling again.
10.) Choose healthy diet
Cut down on stimulant hot beverages. Choose your food, diet, beverages wisely. Refresh your mornings or evenings with healthy herbal drinks or warm ragi drink.
One of the simplest steps to happiness is experiencing the power of meditation and Sudarshan kriya. Do it by joining the Art of Living Meditation and Breath Workshop.
11.) Practice patience
Promise yourself to be more patient in 2022. Just booked your cab? Be patient. Ordered your breakfast? Be patient. At a doctor’s clinic? Wait patiently for your turn. Dialled your parents, grandparents, relatives? Patiently wait for them to answer. Expecting an important call or a dear one’s call? Wait. In an argument or a discussion, listen to the other person patiently. Patience is the key to an enriched life.
12.) Shop intelligently
When you are shopping, ask yourself if you have it in excess. Be sure that it will last for a period of time defined by you. Impulsive shopping is no good. Instead, save up a few bucks and make wise investments. Start saving.
13.) Shut the running water tap!
Each time you use tap water, prepare your mind to save water. And your act of not wasting water should become autopilot mode. If possible, do spread the word in your friend circle and family circuit about saving water, using less plastic and taking eco-friendly decisions.
14.) Purify your speech
Like how we clean our tongue and teeth after eating, we ought to do so after talking as well. So watch your words and purify your speech by being aware of what you are talking and ask yourself if what you are saying is adding value to the conversation at that moment. This purification will certainly make you feel good.
15.) Be economical
Take a vow to walk closer towards your goal, but with a calm and stress-free mind. Keep a check on how you are engaging your mind on a holiday, so that you spend your time, money and energy judiciously even during your leisure time. This will not let you drift away from your goal.
16.) Procrastination is a bane
Ensure that your to-do-lists are in your face. Only cell phone reminders do not help. To avoid procrastination, use post-its in your study area dashboard, cupboard and every place that is visible to you. Doing so you should be able to complete your tasks - short-term and long-term - in stipulated time, thereby avoiding procrastination in 2022.
17.) Be there for your society
Commit a minimum of one to two hours once a week to a cause that you truly believe in. If you need to prepare or do some research for your activity, do so sometime through the week. However, stay committed to the cause of your choice. This will add more purpose to your life in 2022. Also, being there for the society and helping it develop in areas where it lacks is the most pure form of selfless service.
18.) Prioritize mental hygiene
Like you take care of your teeth, take care of your mind in 2022. Yes, along with dental hygiene, mental hygiene too needs to be given the highest attention. Make it a point to go for a dental check-up at regular intervals, even if you are not having any tooth or gum ache. Do not wait for excruciating pain, to visit your dentist. Also, start with practices like meditation, yoga, Sudarshan Kriya for maintenance of mental hygiene. You can also download the Art of Living app for easy support.
19.) Be grateful
Come what may, make it a point to count your blessings every night and in every situation. Even if things seem unfavourable, develop the attitude to be thankful for whatever is and realise that things could have gone worse. In 2022, practice gratitude. This way you will learn to be content with whatever you have and also operate from a space of abundance.
20.) Get up and move!
Do not make "sitting" an occupational hazard any more. It has been found that sitting is the new smoking. Get up, move around and every one hour take a walk, observe the sky and be kind to your knees, back, and body in 2022.
These are small practices that help us live an enriched life and give us a perspective about ourselves as well as others. Kindness, compassion, gratitude, breathing exercises, yoga, Sudarshan Kriya are some of the must-haves in your life to be happy, healthy and peaceful almost every day! We wish you a Happy New Year!
(Based on wisdom talks by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.)
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