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So, 2020 was a really rotten year.
Now, with the blessed start of a new year, you are more bound and determined than ever to make 2021 an incredible time for you and your weary body and soul. To help bounce back from the last 12 months, consider trying any or all of the following suggestions:
Keep Positive from 2020
Yes, you read that right. Last year was beyond challenging, but you also learned how important it is to find things that boost your mental health. Maybe you started journaling or you found solace in baking bread or trying new juice cleanses. Whatever brought you any measure of joy and peace in 2020, bring it with you into this year.
Take Tangible Steps to Improve
If you over-indulged during the holiday season — either by overeating or overspending — you may be ready to bounce back from these splurges. Or perhaps you have noticed how the stress of last year has gotten to your face in the form of dark circles under your eyes and a really tired expression. If any of this sounds familiar, a new year is a great time to make new habits. For example, consider vowing to walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week. From there, tack on a few extra minutes or a quicker pace until you’re getting the amount of exercise you desire.
To whittle down that credit card debt, grab some overtime at work or skip Starbucks. Even just a few dollars here and there can really add up. To help eliminate those pesky dark circles under your eyes, find a product designed to combat uneven skin tones and dark spots. Seeing a brighter, healthier-looking face in the morning may just be the boost of confidence you need to start 2021 off right.
Wake Up with a Positive Attitude
You might wake up and immediately feel a sense of dread and a strong feeling of anxiety. After the year you’ve had, this is understandable. But try to push yourself to start every day with a smile. Tell yourself your day will be a great one and that you will be content and happy. Granted, this may sound a tad cheesy, but reciting a morning mantra can really work—there is a lot to be said for choosing your mood and replacing negative thoughts with happy ones.
Take Back Whatever Control You Can
So much was put on hold last year. You may feel like the world is controlling you instead of the other way around. In 2021, take back whatever you can—for instance, if you and your BFF used to get coffee every Saturday morning, suggest meeting her on your patio or driveway where you can sit at least 6 feet apart and chat over lattes to go. If you are really missing your in-person yoga classes, now is the time to set up an at-home studio. Any of these habits that fell by the wayside are waiting for you to pick them back up again in 2021. You will feel a sense of normalcy returning and it will be great for your mental well-being to feel like you are in control of at least a few things again — even if they look a little different than they used to.
You’ve Got This!
Reclaiming your happiness in 2021 does not have to cost a lot of money, nor does it require a huge time commitment. What it does require is some solid self-care, the power of a positive mental attitude, and a commitment to taking back control of your own life.