Here's To 2022: May You Be Revitalized, Refreshed, and Invigorated

2021 was the follow-up year to what most of us would consider one of the most intense years our population has been through in the last fifty years.

This past year we expected things to change, but for many across the globe, 2021 was just as chaotic as 2020. The stress over these last two years has brought changes to our society's mental, physical, and overall well-being.

The plans, resolutions, and promises we made to ourselves at the beginning of 2021 might've been crushed by the weight of the world's problems, but 2022 is a year we should decide to take back the life we deserve.

2022 will be the year we choose to prioritize our health and well-being.

The first step? Rest.

What comes to mind when you think of the word rest?

For most people, sleep is the first thing that pops into their minds. We equate sleep with rest. Rest your eyes, rest your head, and so on. When thinking of our busy lives, though, it's hard to imagine laying our heads on a pillow in the middle of the afternoon. There's so much to do, see, and plan.

Life can feel like we don't have time for a pause button. But that's when we can choose to make time. We have the choice to put in the effort to set our priorities and keep them in check.

Luckily for us, rest encompasses so many other things than sleep alone. There are dozens of ways to incorporate intentional rest into your busy schedule, other than a power nap after lunch.

Five Ways To Rest That Don't Involve Sleep

Meditation: Meditation is a way to stay grounded when you're world is feeling hectic. Taking even 30 minutes out of your day to sit in peace and quiet, and to reflect on peaceful concepts, can make an immense difference in your mental health. It's important to stop and breathe deeply throughout the day. Setting time aside to make sure you get these crucial moments of relaxation is necessary to feel calm and relaxed, even during tense circumstances.

60-minute phone break: Turn your phone off for an entire hour. This can be when you meditate, or during your exercise routine, but at some point in your day you can carve out time to step away from social media, step out of the technological bubble, and find a peaceful, tactile way to relax. Whether that's getting a massage, taking a long bath, or using a relaxation coloring book. Whatever you choose to do with the time spent away from your phone, don't spend it obsessing about what you're missing online. Focus on yourself, and your well-being.

Find a soothing activity to do daily: For some people, this could be yoga, painting, rock-climbing, or lounging in a hot tub. Some people find relaxation in exercise, dance, or just watching a few of their favorite movies. The hobby itself doesn't mean as much as the feeling you get when you're doing it. Find something that calms you, soothes you, and brings you into a clear headspace.

Invest in a journal: Not everyone enjoys journaling, and that's okay. But it's a great way to clear your mind and work through your thoughts and feelings. Even if it's a few words a day, putting thoughts on paper is like a mental detox. There are certain journals that focus on just one word a day, and those a perfect for someone who's looking for something simple.

Set a reading goal: Reading is an escape from life, and sometimes we need that. Set aside a certain amount of time per week to spend reading a new book, and let yourself get lost in a new adventure, even if it's just from your bed or couch. Try to steer clear of the news or non-fiction magazines, though. Those bring a rush of worldwide stress, and magazines focus on things similar to social media.

Setting the atmosphere for rest and rejuvenation

Setting up a yoga studio or meditation lounge in your home isn't necessary, but there are a few things you can do to eliminate stressors and create an environment that encourages relaxation and peacefulness.

• Grow your candle collection
• Create a nest, whether it's cozying up your bed or setting aside space for a reading nook. Fill it will pillows, throws, and other calming fabrics
• Ditch the TV in your bedroom. Let your bedroom be a place for sleeping, and train your body to understand that when you enter that room, it's time for rest
• Declutter your space. Having a fresh, tidy area to sprawl out in is much more relaxing than being reminded of the things you need to clean up as you're trying to relax with a good book
• Fill your kitchen with healthy, anti-inflammatory foods that will make your body systems calm and at ease
• Charge your phone outside of your bedroom, somewhere in the living room or kitchen

Feel good in 2022

The more effort you put into prioritizing yourself, the happier you'll be. We're at our best when we've had a restful night, deep sleep, and a calming daily routine. Being rested stabilizes our mood, benefits our physical health by reducing stress hormones, and gives us the freedom to enjoy our lives, unhindered.

Here's to 2022. May it be our best year yet.