5 Ways to Live Mindfully in 2025

In a fast-paced, digital world, it’s all too common to feel distracted and overwhelmed. With a new year on the horizon, here are a few ways you can carry out a purposeful, intentional, and goal-driven year.

1. Rediscover the Joy of Handwriting

It’s something easily forgotten, but there is something powerful about connecting pencil to paper. Whether it’s writing letters, journaling, or writing a simple grocery list, handwriting has been shown to induce a calming effect, inspire creativity, and boost memory.

Tip: Grab a pencil and some paper. Start a daily journal or write a letter to a friend. Let your creativity flow!

2. Conscious Practices, Sustainable Materials

Mindfulness extends from thoughts and actions to choices. Choose eco-friendly products when possible and support businesses that align with your values.

Tip: Look at the materials that go into the products you’re buying. Blackwing pencils are made from incense-cedar which is harvested on a sustained-yield basis which ensures the annual growth of the forest is greater than the amount harvested.

3. Embrace Slow Living & the Analog Lifestyle

In this digitally dominated era, we often seek instant gratification or try to rush through things. This is your reminder to slow down and live in the present. Consider pursuing lasting impact over something fleeting and ephemeral.

Tip: Set aside time each day to be away from your phone, tv, laptop, tablet, etc. to enjoy an analog activity, like listening to a vinyl, reading a book, coloring, etc.

4. Connect With Nature

This one is simple–the sun offers Vitamin D and the plants provide fresh air–nature reduces stress!

Tip: have a picnic in the park, go for a hike, or spend time gardening. Bring along a notebook and pencil to capture your thoughts and observations.

5. List-Making / Goal-Setting

While relaxation is part of mindfulness, intentionality is too. By setting goals and making lists, it provides us with a straight path forward.

“Once a task has just begun, never leave it till it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.”― Quincy Jones

Tip: Set achievable goals for the year. This can span from 5 minutes of daily meditation to getting a business license. Daily to-do lists can be helpful to not forget simple, yet important tasks.