Mindful Monday: A Better You

I don’t know about you, but I love fresh starts. Fresh starts feel hopeful. They feel like anything is possible. 

However, there is a phrase used frequently in January that I'm not entirely fond of: "New Year, New You." There’s something about that phrase that seems so daunting. The way it hits me makes me feel like you have to change everything about yourself. Like maybe you weren’t enough or maybe you haven't been living up to your potential. Which leads me to the thought of changing myself seems downright exhausting. 

So as January continues to get underway, I do NOT wish for you a "New Year, New You." I wish you a new year and perhaps just a better you. You don't have to be better than the person down the hallway. You don’t have to be better than the person on social media. Just better than yesterday. 

So, if our goal is just to be a better version of ourselves than yesterday, I would encourage you to think on a smaller scale. What is one thing, something little, I can do to be a better version of myself? Better could be parking a little further out to get in a few more steps a day. Maybe it looks like one more glass/bottle of water a day. Better than yesterday could look like leaving at 4:30 instead of 5:00 or not eating lunch at your desk. 

Overhauling, going cold turkey, or completely changing your routine rarely works. When thinking about what better looks like to you, set yourself up for success by starting small. Give yourself grace on the days that aren't what you hoped they would be. And absolutely give yourself kudos when you put yourself first. 

Here are a variety of ways to set yourself up for success. I encourage you to look at them all and choose what speaks to you.  

• If journaling is too daunting or not quite the daily commitment you are looking for, consider this daily emotions tracker from The New Happy, a 30 second daily commitment. Simply acknowledging your feelings can help you not keep it all bottled up and be a great stress reliever. Emotions Tracker

• Looking for ways to quiet your mind and drown out the noise? Try the HeadSpace app. It is FREE for educators. This app has a variety of resources available at your fingertips. If you are looking for easy ways to start meditating, or improve your sleep, or even lessen your stress, this app has it all. https://www.headspace.com/educators

• Looking to add more positivity to your day? Want a short commitment? Sign up for these free daily emails for the next 30 days.  www.jongordon.com/30days 

• Emergent Tree speaks to 3 components needed for effective classroom management. While it isn't a magic article with the secrets you have been waiting for, it is absolutely worth the read. At the very least, it's a good reminder. https://blog.emergenttree.com/alternatives-to-punitive-practices-in-the-classroom

• My personal favorite that has been life changing is practicing the attitude of gratitude. That could look like physically writing down 3 things you are grateful for at the end of each day. Surely you could come up with three words a day. They don't always have to be deep and prolific. Being grateful for rain, good coffee, and green lights is acceptable. While I would encourage you to actually write down your list, there are apps or even just taking a moment to think about your 3 things during your commute to or from work is all beneficial. Focusing on the positive rewires your brain, not to mention all the health benefits. Check out the science that backs this practice up. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude

At the end of the day, you are worth it. You are worth investing in. You are worth the time. You are the greatest project you will ever work on. YOU ARE WORTH IT!