The 2020 presidential election is less than two weeks away and I’ve gotten into a really bad habit: scrolling through Twitter on my phone right before I fall asleep and right when I wake up 🥴.
I’ve never used Twitter much in the past; this new habit is 100% election-anxiety related and… needless to say, it’s not a good one. Being on my phone before bed and right when I wake up isn’t great for my sleep (…and my day) and, while I want to stay informed (don’t forget to #vote!), enough is enough.
The Meditate and Read Challenge
So here’s what I’m doing. Every morning I’m going to meditate for 5 minutes. And every evening I’m going to read a book (a real book!) for 15 minutes. For 15 days. Simple as that. These are two habits that I know make me feel good but haven’t been prioritized in my life recently.
I should point out that when I say “meditate” I mean try to meditate. This is not a skill I have mastered in any capacity, but… it’s got to be better than scrolling Twitter (the research is pretty compelling).
I have a Peloton app subscription, which has lots of guided 5-minute meditation. Even if you don’t have a Peloton bike, you can still use the app – it’s free for 30 days! If that’s not for you, there are a TON of free guided meditations out there like this one from Headspace, no subscription required.
Let’s talk books. I’m reading Normal People (… I wanted to read it before I watch the show!), but whatever book you’re into works! My two rules: it can’t be on a device that emits blue light (which interferes with your sleep) and it has to be a book that doesn’t invoke anxiety ;).
Ready? I’m starting today, October 21, 2020, but feel free to start (and repeat!) whenever you like. Because 20 minutes not spent on Twitter is good for the soul.
Printable Meditation and Reading Calendar
Keep track of your progress with this printable meditation and reading calendar! Simply check off the boxes as you work through the challenge.
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