Making mindfulness easy
The 1% challenge to be more mindful
It's probably one of the busiest times of the year, so you probably think that the last thing you want to do is embark on a mindfulness challenge. So let's save that for January, right? Well, I'm not so sure.
You see, the thing is, if you go hell for leather taking in all the Christmas fun, you're going to feel pretty wiped out by the time the ball drops on New Year's Eve. And what I'm suggesting is probably the least taxing challenge you've ever come across. But one that I think can have a lot of impact if you do it!
I'm asking for 1% of your day, which equates to 14 minutes. And in those 14 minutes, I want you to do something just for you. Now I don't mean scroll on Instagram for 14 minutes or watch TV. But something that is just for you and helps you focus on that specific thing. Instagram and TV might be part of your downtime, but it's still a distraction.
Think about reading that book you've been putting off reading until you have more time, or going to the local coffee shop and getting your favourite coffee - but spending time actually enjoying it rather than drinking it while replying to emails. Get out for a quick walk, spend time dancing around your apartment to your favourite music; there are so many different things that you can do. And the best thing is, it's only for 14 minutes—1% of your day.
Without really realising it when I came up with the concept, I'm encouraging you to act mindfully for 14 minutes. I had come up with the idea of the 1% challenge because I thought back to when I was at my most anxious and feeling overwhelmed. If someone had told me that I needed to spend an hour meditating, going to yoga, or spending time on myself - I would have told them where to go. I wanted to create something where people could improve their everyday lives and hustle by 1%. Which, in terms of time - equates to 14 minutes.
Mindfulness can have a positive impact on your brain. Research in one report showed that after an eight-week course of mindfulness practice, the brain's "fight or flight" center, the amygdala, appears to shrink. This region of the brain, associated with fear and emotion, initiates the body's response to stress. MRI scans showed it, and the link to the research is here.
How can you get involved?
Well, there's a couple of ways. You can get on with it - and spend 14 minutes focusing on yourself a day. OR you can get involved with the challenge on social media. Head to the anti-hustle club over on Instagram to get involved, or join the FREE Facebook Group for more support.
