12 Days of Harvest
12 Days of Harvest
Posted By Annie Claffey |05 Dec 2021
It’s 12 days until the New Year….
Let me fill you in. There are 20 official days until January but when you take out the blur of Christmas celebrations, you are left with 12. This got me thinking. So many focus on making positive change in January. Why wait when now is the time you need it?
I just started a personalised nutritional plan created by @AOK nutrition. I want to hold myself accountable and end the year strong. 2022 is a big year for The Harvest so I want to be feeling my best going into it!
Let’s all put some energy and joy into our lives and establish a new habit to start the new year on the right foot! I hope you'll join us! When we make joy a priority, brilliant ideas and opportunities come naturally.
Why don’t you pick one habit and do it every day for the next 12 days? Do one thing, that’s it…commit to one good baby step that will give you a boost through the busiest time in the year and set the tone for 2022.
1. REST – if you are tired, then you need to make time for REST.
2. CONNECT - with family and friends. Schedule a walk with a friend, a phone call with a family member, a movie night or romantic dinner with your partner.
3. LAUGH – remember when we used to have fun and laugh?! Just because our social calendars will be quieter doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. Play with your kids, your nieces and nephews or your pets. Have belly laughs with your friends, family. Reminisce on old days and make plans for new times.
4. MUSIC - play your favourite music or try a new type of music.
5. ME TIME - go for something to eat on your own. Have some quality time with yourself.
6. NATURE - go outside and observe the beauty of nature. Take it all in.
7. AFFIRMATIONS - start your day with affirmations. There are so many online to choose from and they help me so much in starting my day with a positive outlook. Maybe try singing them in the shower. It works for me!
8. HIGH FIVE YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR – a new global sensation that is helping so many people feel good in themselves. Check out @MelRobbins Instagram for more details. I’ve tried it, It feels weird at first but it works!
9. MOVE YOUR BODY - if you are feeling stuck, exercise is the one thing that will motivate you. Even start with 5 minutes and build up to 30 minutes.
10. BE GRATEFUL - write 3 things you are grateful for every day. This will change your whole outlook on life.
11. STRETCH BEFORE BED – release the stress before bed and get the sleep you deserve.
12. MEDITATE - for 5-10 minutes daily. Meditation is hard to crack but once you do you’ll never look back. Try Josef’s meditations here.
13. READ EVERY DAY – there’s a book out there to make you laugh, cry or teach you, whatever you want it to do. So put the phone down and nurture your brain, your heart and your soul with a good book.
14. EAT MINDFULLY - try one meal per day. The Harvest’s Aisling Larkin explains what mindful eating is and how to do this here
15. WATER - drink 2 litres of water every day. This is key if you want more energy and focus in your day.
16. TEETOTALLER - reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption. It’s going to be a quieter Christmas for us all. Why not embrace it and use this usually busy social time to feel healthier.
17. SKIP THE TAKEAWAYS - cook or bake every day.
18. FLOSS - every day.
19. SWAP THE SUGAR - for fresh fruit or veg.
20. SWAP YOUR COFFEE - for green tea. Remove the adrenaline from your body that Caffeine gives you and replace it with the antioxidants that green tea gives you.
21. START YOUR DAY WITH WATER AND LEMON – it will kick off your digestion for the day!
22. COLD SHOWER CHALLENGE – check out how to do this on the @WimHof Instagram. I’ve done this for the past 6 months and it has strengthened by immune and my energy.
23. HOBBY - learning is growing! If you have kids, why not pick up a mindful colouring book and colour with them. If you don’t have kids, maybe try something you have always wanted to try.
24. SLEEP – go to bed 1 hour before you usually do. The TV show isn’t worth it. You’ll feel so much better for it the next day.
25. LIMIT YOUR PROCESSED FOODS – processed foods hugely affect our mood. They can give us anxiety and depression and deplete our energy levels. Get some frozen veg. Convenient and so much better for you.
26. I’M SO PRETTY - incorporate facial rolling into your daily skincare routine. Facial rolling feels so nice and who doesn’t want glowing skin this Christmas?!
27. TAKE A BREAK - 4 times during your working day for stretching and mental breaks so set your alarms. This will save you time in the long run. You’ll be more focused and productive when you go back to your desk.
28. ENJOY YOUR LIFE – start with 15 minutes of me-time every day. YOU, your friends, colleagues and family will reap the benefits of you taking a moment for yourself.
29. EAT FRUIT - 1 piece of fruit first thing in the morning. If fruit isn’t your thing this will be a big accomplishment. Feel the difference in yourself.
30. ADD SOME WELLNESS TO YOUR MORNING COFFEE - just add some cinnamon.
31. LET’S GET IT ON - get intimate with your partner. If you don’t have a partner, get intimate with yourself.
32. DOGS ARE A MAN'S BEST FRIEND – if you have a dog or a cat, cuddle them more and bring them on an extra walk. You and your pet will love you for it.
33. WALK AND TALK – get up and walk around while you talk. It’s an easy way to achieve some extra steps and stretch your body.
34. FUEL YOUR BODY - make overnight oats.
35. LET THERE BE LIGHT AND AIR - open the windows for 5 minutes while you make your morning coffee and refresh your room.
36. BURN BABY BURN - burn essential oils. I love how essential oils invigorate the senses and can transform my mood.
37. BREW A CUP OF TEA - using loose leaf green tea. Loose leaf tea is the healthier and more sustainable choice.
38. SKIP THE LIFT – get those steps in.
39. TAKE A BREATH – practice deep breathing. It helps relieve stress, releases muscle tension, and boosts your concentration and energy. The Harvest Breath Coach will guide you through your breathing meditation here.
40. POWER DOWN DEVICES - blue light messes up your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Eliminate screen time 2 hours before bed.
41. DITCH THE AFTERNOON CAFFEINE – have an apple instead with a teaspoon of nut butter instead. The natural sugars provoke a similar response but are so much better for you.
42. HYNOSIS – google sleep hypnosis for confidence or positive thinking and put it on before you go to sleep. It will give you a better night’s sleep and you’ll be working on quietening that inner critic while you sleep.
43. SAY NO TO LATE SNACKS – you’ll sleep better and you’ll feel better in the morning.
44. DECLUTTER YOUR HOUSE - do it and you’ll declutter your mind. Start corner by corner.
45. THE ACT OF KINDESS - one per day:
46. BE KIND AND HAVE FUN – do you have a friend or family member that could do with a break from their kids? Offer to babysit. The ultimate act of kindness and kids will always put a smile on your face.
47. POSCASTS - listen to a podcast that makes you laugh or teaches you something. My favourite podcasts are:
48. MINDFULLY DRIVE – it will help you become more focused, relaxed and effective once you get to where you’re going. You can find plenty of options online.
49. GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE – whatever that is for you. It may be going on a dating app or it may be chatting with the new person at work. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. You can if you think you can!
50. BE YOUR OWN BOSS IN LIFE - you choose how you want to feel. CHOOSE to feel your best and make joy a priority every day!
Let me fill you in. There are 20 official days until January but when you take out the blur of Christmas celebrations, you are left with 12. This got me thinking. So many focus on making positive change in January. Why wait when now is the time you need it?
I just started a personalised nutritional plan created by @AOK nutrition. I want to hold myself accountable and end the year strong. 2022 is a big year for The Harvest so I want to be feeling my best going into it!
Let’s all put some energy and joy into our lives and establish a new habit to start the new year on the right foot! I hope you'll join us! When we make joy a priority, brilliant ideas and opportunities come naturally.
Why don’t you pick one habit and do it every day for the next 12 days? Do one thing, that’s it…commit to one good baby step that will give you a boost through the busiest time in the year and set the tone for 2022.
1. REST – if you are tired, then you need to make time for REST.
2. CONNECT - with family and friends. Schedule a walk with a friend, a phone call with a family member, a movie night or romantic dinner with your partner.
3. LAUGH – remember when we used to have fun and laugh?! Just because our social calendars will be quieter doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. Play with your kids, your nieces and nephews or your pets. Have belly laughs with your friends, family. Reminisce on old days and make plans for new times.
4. MUSIC - play your favourite music or try a new type of music.
5. ME TIME - go for something to eat on your own. Have some quality time with yourself.
6. NATURE - go outside and observe the beauty of nature. Take it all in.
7. AFFIRMATIONS - start your day with affirmations. There are so many online to choose from and they help me so much in starting my day with a positive outlook. Maybe try singing them in the shower. It works for me!
8. HIGH FIVE YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR – a new global sensation that is helping so many people feel good in themselves. Check out @MelRobbins Instagram for more details. I’ve tried it, It feels weird at first but it works!
9. MOVE YOUR BODY - if you are feeling stuck, exercise is the one thing that will motivate you. Even start with 5 minutes and build up to 30 minutes.
10. BE GRATEFUL - write 3 things you are grateful for every day. This will change your whole outlook on life.
11. STRETCH BEFORE BED – release the stress before bed and get the sleep you deserve.
12. MEDITATE - for 5-10 minutes daily. Meditation is hard to crack but once you do you’ll never look back. Try Josef’s meditations here.
13. READ EVERY DAY – there’s a book out there to make you laugh, cry or teach you, whatever you want it to do. So put the phone down and nurture your brain, your heart and your soul with a good book.
14. EAT MINDFULLY - try one meal per day. The Harvest’s Aisling Larkin explains what mindful eating is and how to do this here
15. WATER - drink 2 litres of water every day. This is key if you want more energy and focus in your day.
16. TEETOTALLER - reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption. It’s going to be a quieter Christmas for us all. Why not embrace it and use this usually busy social time to feel healthier.
17. SKIP THE TAKEAWAYS - cook or bake every day.
18. FLOSS - every day.
19. SWAP THE SUGAR - for fresh fruit or veg.
20. SWAP YOUR COFFEE - for green tea. Remove the adrenaline from your body that Caffeine gives you and replace it with the antioxidants that green tea gives you.
21. START YOUR DAY WITH WATER AND LEMON – it will kick off your digestion for the day!
22. COLD SHOWER CHALLENGE – check out how to do this on the @WimHof Instagram. I’ve done this for the past 6 months and it has strengthened by immune and my energy.
23. HOBBY - learning is growing! If you have kids, why not pick up a mindful colouring book and colour with them. If you don’t have kids, maybe try something you have always wanted to try.
24. SLEEP – go to bed 1 hour before you usually do. The TV show isn’t worth it. You’ll feel so much better for it the next day.
25. LIMIT YOUR PROCESSED FOODS – processed foods hugely affect our mood. They can give us anxiety and depression and deplete our energy levels. Get some frozen veg. Convenient and so much better for you.
26. I’M SO PRETTY - incorporate facial rolling into your daily skincare routine. Facial rolling feels so nice and who doesn’t want glowing skin this Christmas?!
27. TAKE A BREAK - 4 times during your working day for stretching and mental breaks so set your alarms. This will save you time in the long run. You’ll be more focused and productive when you go back to your desk.
28. ENJOY YOUR LIFE – start with 15 minutes of me-time every day. YOU, your friends, colleagues and family will reap the benefits of you taking a moment for yourself.
29. EAT FRUIT - 1 piece of fruit first thing in the morning. If fruit isn’t your thing this will be a big accomplishment. Feel the difference in yourself.
30. ADD SOME WELLNESS TO YOUR MORNING COFFEE - just add some cinnamon.
31. LET’S GET IT ON - get intimate with your partner. If you don’t have a partner, get intimate with yourself.
32. DOGS ARE A MAN'S BEST FRIEND – if you have a dog or a cat, cuddle them more and bring them on an extra walk. You and your pet will love you for it.
33. WALK AND TALK – get up and walk around while you talk. It’s an easy way to achieve some extra steps and stretch your body.
34. FUEL YOUR BODY - make overnight oats.
35. LET THERE BE LIGHT AND AIR - open the windows for 5 minutes while you make your morning coffee and refresh your room.
36. BURN BABY BURN - burn essential oils. I love how essential oils invigorate the senses and can transform my mood.
37. BREW A CUP OF TEA - using loose leaf green tea. Loose leaf tea is the healthier and more sustainable choice.
38. SKIP THE LIFT – get those steps in.
39. TAKE A BREATH – practice deep breathing. It helps relieve stress, releases muscle tension, and boosts your concentration and energy. The Harvest Breath Coach will guide you through your breathing meditation here.
40. POWER DOWN DEVICES - blue light messes up your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Eliminate screen time 2 hours before bed.
41. DITCH THE AFTERNOON CAFFEINE – have an apple instead with a teaspoon of nut butter instead. The natural sugars provoke a similar response but are so much better for you.
42. HYNOSIS – google sleep hypnosis for confidence or positive thinking and put it on before you go to sleep. It will give you a better night’s sleep and you’ll be working on quietening that inner critic while you sleep.
43. SAY NO TO LATE SNACKS – you’ll sleep better and you’ll feel better in the morning.
44. DECLUTTER YOUR HOUSE - do it and you’ll declutter your mind. Start corner by corner.
45. THE ACT OF KINDESS - one per day:
-
- Smile at the people you meet
- Pass out a genuine compliment
- Say please and thank you
- Leave change at a vending machine
- Pay for the person behind you
- Volunteer
- Write someone a handmade letter
- Treat others the way you want to be treated
- Bake someone a cake
46. BE KIND AND HAVE FUN – do you have a friend or family member that could do with a break from their kids? Offer to babysit. The ultimate act of kindness and kids will always put a smile on your face.
47. POSCASTS - listen to a podcast that makes you laugh or teaches you something. My favourite podcasts are:
-
- The Rachel Hollis Podcast
- The Moments That Made me
- On purpose with Jay Shetty
- The Good Glow
- My Therapist Ghosted Me
- Sh**ged Married Annoyed
48. MINDFULLY DRIVE – it will help you become more focused, relaxed and effective once you get to where you’re going. You can find plenty of options online.
49. GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE – whatever that is for you. It may be going on a dating app or it may be chatting with the new person at work. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. You can if you think you can!
50. BE YOUR OWN BOSS IN LIFE - you choose how you want to feel. CHOOSE to feel your best and make joy a priority every day!
By Annie Claffey
