- Feb 8, 2022

Being Mindful and Taking Control

While New Years Resolutions aren't for everyone, we took time at the end of 2021 to think of a couple of things we'd each like to work on in hopes of reaching 2022's perfect vision.

It's all well and good to come up with an idealistic list while you're full of aspirations, looking to a new year and the opportunities you're hopeful it will magically present. Alas - unfortunately that is not how things work (I know, we were disappointed too). Looking back on goals and resolutions is JUST as important as making them, which is why we are revisiting ours.

The most common theme, one way or another? Mindfulness. But what does it all mean? Well, according to Headspace...

"Mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment - free from distraction or judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them."

Basically, mindfulness is an awesome way to feel like you can be present, aware, in tune with your emotions, and make conscious decisions that you know will benefit you and make you happy. I took the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale Test (fancy), and as predicted, I suck at being mindful.

We get it, it can be SO hard to not run on auto-pilot as a small business or just generally as a human. So, if like me you are also lacking in the mindfulness department or identify with the statement: "I drive places on ‘automatic pilot’ and then wonder why I went there" (an actual question from the test - scarily relatable), then read on.

Meditation Apps

Upon doing some research, it became pretty clear, pretty quick that the number 1 way to achieve mindfulness is to engage in meditation. Our awesome editor Heidi is a meditation expert, but if you're a newbie in meditation we've rounded up our top 3 meditation apps to guide you through the process.

1. Headspace

Your perfect companion to everyday health and happiness has arrived, helping you achieve mindfulness in just a few minutes a day. We love it because there are tonnes of guided sessions for managing varying things - from stress and anxiety, to sleep, productivity exercise and physical health. Check it out here.

2. Calm

Calm claims to be the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but if you're more intermediate or even an expert, there's plenty of programs for you too. You can access guided meditation in 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 minute sessions, so it's perfect for busy business gals like us. Our favourite thing - the app includes "Sleep Stories" featuring voices of celebrities (Matthew McConaughey people!!). Check it out here.

3. Meditation by Mindifi

Recommended by our very own in-house meditation guru Heidi, this one's gotta be good. It uses hypnosis to achieve a meditative state, which sounds very cool (and we can't wait to try). Again, the app features beginner to advanced meditations, and it's end goal is for you to be able to meditate on your own without verbal prompts or guidance. Check it out here.

Our other recommendations

If you're not an avid app user, we've got a couple of alternative recommendations for you.

1. Joe Tracey

With almost 200k subscribers, this guy is the real deal. From guided meditations, to sleep hypnosis, Joe Tracey takes you through sessions aimed at anything and everything from anxiety, relaxation, and building confidence, to ridding addition, attracting abundance, and spiritual growth.

2. Esther Hicks

Esther Hicks was an author and inspirational speaker specialising in the Law of Attraction - the belief that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into ones life. There is a lot of info surrounding her teachings, but it's got us interested and it's definitely worth checking out her publications and YouTube videos. You can find her teachings, videos and publications here via Hay House.

3. Walking

We know it sounds cliché, but a good walk can do WONDERS. It's very easy given the way we live our lives to get swamped down and lose touch with what's really going on in our heads. So, get outside and walk - we don't mean run as you listen to music or chat with your AirPods on, we mean: ditch the tech, and just be. Some of our favourite walks include the Cooks River Walk, Bondi to Bronte, Spit to Manly, and West Head.

So, there you have it - our list of the top meditation apps and speakers, tips and tricks. Go forth and be mindful.

If you have any other awesome apps, publications, or recommendations you're loving (or if you need help freeing yourself of some of your workload to set aside time for yourself & take control!) - we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with us at hello@thelifestyleedit.com.au xo