The year 2020 was full of many highlights. This year marriages were started, and a generation of beautiful babies were born into the world. Many positive things happened that are easy to miss, like due to the recession, carbon dioxide emissions declined, and families spent more time together. Some businesses really struggled this year, and many were isolated. Yet, some companies like drive-in movie theatres flourished. The Covid-19 outbreak led us all to appreciate the selfless dedication of nurses, doctors, grocery store clerks, shipt shoppers, delivery personnel, and other essential workers. Many positive and negative events occurred in 2020. For some of us, 2020 was rough, to say the least. Instead of focusing on the hardships, let's walk into 2021 with a positive attitude and a fresh mindset for a better year. Here are some tips to help start the 2021 year off in a significant way!
Shake off 2020 with some optimism and gratitude.
Make a list of all the things you're thankful for, whether it's your health, your family or friends, or even just the clothes on your back. A grateful heart is a happy heart.
Do something kind for someone. Everyone is having a hard time during this pandemic, so going out of your way to be kind in the new year will really go a long way. I've found that when I'm in a rut and having a hard time holding onto my joy, helping others helps put my stressors into perspective—showing love to someone who is down reminds me that more things are going on in the world than just my issues. Try it out, maybe your joy will be replenished, and your heart might even grow three sizes bigger this holiday season.
Fill your mind with positivity. Read and post positive scriptures, quotes, and/or encouraging thoughts in places where you will see them regularly. Putting a sticky note on the bathroom mirror or even in the refrigerator will help keep positive thoughts at the forefront of your mind and help you to stay positive.
Prepare for Road Bumps
With Covid-19 came a lot of new norms like masks, online schooling, and basically virtual everything. The pandemic has affected us all in ways we can't control, but we can control how we face the obstacles covid brought on.
Setting realistic goals for yourself for 2021 is a great way to take control of your life. Make a plan and crush it. Reflect on your successes and maybe some of the things that could have gone smoother in 2020. What can you do to avoid those issues from reoccurring in 2021?
Stay as flexible to change as possible. Covid called for a lot of sudden plan changes. Maybe it was a canceled family reunion or trip to Fiji. With the lockdowns being so inconsistent, it is essential to be prepared for sudden changes to your plans and lifestyle. The covid pandemic has brought on a lot of confusion; maybe you found yourself wondering, "do I really need to wash all my groceries?" or "is washing my hands three times in the last hour too many times?" It's hard to keep up with the ever-changing Covid-19 rules, but it's so important. In 2021 try sticking with reliable, trustworthy sources to help keep your stress to a minimum. New information on the virus is continually being found; using good sources will avoid unnecessary stress from misinformation.
Be Conscious of Your Mental Health
During the last year, depression and anxiety rates in Americans skyrocketed. You're not the only one feeling anxious and depressed. Everyone is struggling right now with the extra stressors the pandemic brought on to our minds and bodies. Last year may have brought feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and other emotional or financial stresses. That being said, it is so important to reach out when you are struggling. The strongest people reach out when they need help. There is strength in vulnerability. Support from family or a community is one of the best ways to manage these stressors. Get connected, whether it be virtually or in person. And if that doesn't help, here are a few extra tips to help you stay on top of your mental health:
Set aside time for yourself. It is so crucial during these stressful times that we find the time to breathe and regroup. This set aside time has the ability to reboot our brains, improve our concentration, enhance our relationships, and allow room for self-discovery and deep thinking.
Limit your social media intake. During this Covid season, it would be easy to stay inside looking at social media and the news all day. Despite how relaxing it would be to hide away on our screens, there are many adverse side effects to prolonged media usage. Try a media-detox this winter. The first benefit of a media detox is it will improve your self-esteem. Social media sets us up to compare our low-lights to other's highlights. Meaning we compare our real-life versions of ourselves to the self others choose to show us; this is self-destructive and not a habit you want to bring into 2021. A media detox will give you more free time, and you will appreciate special moments more. Studies show that Americans spend approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes a day on the internet. That's about six years and eight months of a person's life. Think of all the things you could accomplish and all the things you missed in those six years. Without social media to hold our attention, we are forced to find entertainment around us and with those we love. Instead of pulling out your phone to snap a picture, you might be more inclined to enjoy the moment if you are not worried about capturing the moment for your next post.
Get Active
Daily exercise can alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and frustration. Getting active is a natural mood lifter. Just the act of accomplishing something challenging will boost your mood and overall wellness. And yes, I said challenging because we all know it's a struggle to get up and get active in this cold weather. Getting active in the cold might be saving you from getting a cold. Staying active keeps you physically fit and able. Your body lacks stamina, resilience, and capacity to function correctly without physical exercise. Exercise strengthens your body, which in turn boosts your capacity to do various physical activities and boosts your ability to handle mental stressors. Your risk of heart attack and stroke can be raised by too much resting and other sedentary behaviors so get active this 2021 new year!
Some ways you can add activities to your daily routine:
Grab the leash and take your dog for a walk. Your body, mind, and pooch will thank you!
Take a family member or friend for a walk. It's an excellent way to get some face time away from electronics.
Try an at-home workout! Get moving with a video online! There are a ton on youtube!
Walk and talk. Even if you have to answer work calls, you don't have to be stuck in your chair. Make a habit of talking and walking, whether it be to a friend or co-worker.
Try burning calories while watching your favorite TV shows. Try jogging in place or lifting weights while you watch TV.
Ditch the car. Spare yourself the parking stress and log some more active time by parking farther away (or even leaving the car at home if the weather permits.)
Take the stairs. Take the stairs when you can, even if just for a floor or two. Taking the stairs will get your heart rate up and blood flowing.