Owning your health and happiness may seem easy enough. But after a year of a worldwide pandemic that looks set to remain with us for many long months to come, this can be a little more challenging than it appears. If you’re looking to find ways to make new resolutions for your health and happiness in the upcoming year, read on for four ideas.
1. Defining Self & Goals
Vision boards and bullet journals are becoming more and more popular with people looking to avoid an existential crisis and keep their mental health and goals in line. Whether you’re working with a licensed therapist or making a go of wellness on your own, think about writing down a list of your goals to help you get back on track.
You can own your health and goals for 2021 by starting out with a clear personal mission statement. Consider where you are now and where you want to be by December. Whether it’s in your interpersonal relationships, career, or even finances, look at areas of your life that you want to improve upon, and make a plan.
Maybe you hope to lose weight to improve your health in 2021. Consider writing down a list of ways that you’ll accomplish this goal. Think about the diet changes you’ll need to make and how you’ll incorporate more exercise into your routine without twenty-four-hour access to a gym. Then, once you’ve made a plan, vow to stick with it.
More than just your goals, it’s important to step back and take the time to define yourself. How would you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you? Would you agree with them? If you don’t like the answers, ask yourself how you could change things. Personal improvements and using self-help books, or even vowing to be one percent better tomorrow than today can go a long way in adding up to big change. Before you get started, ask yourself who you hope to be. A clear idea of where you’re heading will help you find not only your truth but guide you to results that you’re happy with.
2. Self Care & Luxury
Part of happiness and overall wellbeing comes down to self-care. If you’re not taking care of yourself and your needs, you’re less likely to work, live, and feel at your best. Sometimes, taking care of ourselves also means indulging. Whether it’s a Google search for swimming pool companies in Tampa Florida or one for spa homecare routines, take the time to find ways that you can pamper yourself. For many, it’s creating backyard oases that have helped them to escape current events. If you’re a homeowner who loves to swim, you could knock two items off your list; exercise and self-care. With a new pool, luxury would only be a walk to the backyard away and you could set yourself up for weight loss too.
3. Romantic Relationships & Family
COVID-19 has done a number on our personal relationships. Whether it’s through feeling more isolated or arguments about how to work together during the pandemic, many people are suffering in the area of connectedness. If this is you, and you want to pump some life back into your romantic relationship, consider browsing places like Girlfriend Collective. A date night and setting time aside for intimacy could go a long way in helping you and your sweetheart. With Valentine’s Day coming, it might even be the perfect way to put healthy fun back into your relationship.
As for friends and family you haven’t seen in a while, missing them can be a huge part of why you might be struggling with your health and mental wellness. Human beings are social creatures. Social distancing and restrictions have hurt many of our major life relationships. From grandparents who haven’t been able to see their grandchildren to college graduations, reunions, weddings, and other milestone events, 2020 has made connectedness hard. While digital apps and virtual meetings have helped, it’s not the same as being with the ones you love. In 2021, you can change some of this with some creative thinking. To feel more connected, consider going back in time to the days before the internet. Try handwriting a letter, making your loved one a gift they’ll always treasure, and calling when they least expect it. Remember to remind them and yourself that the pandemic won’t be forever.
4. Alone Time
While planning to spend time alone to help crush your mental and health goals in 2021 might seem strange given how many people are feeling isolated, there’s a difference between intentional solitude and mindfulness, and being alone by circumstance. That is, when you are alone, find ways to tune out worries, anxieties, and obligations. Walk to your favorite park. Hike up your favorite mountain. Make it a habit to sit by your favorite lake or pond, or even that new pool, and take time to just be in the moment.
Whether it’s meditation or just sitting in silence, being alone with yourself with a clear head, unplugged from digital devices and social media will allow you to hear your body and mind. In silence and away from the world in which you have obligations, your instincts will tell you what you want and need, and the ways to achieve it. After time with yourself, go back to those vision boards and add plans or even new goals to the lists.
By taking time off to reset, you’re not only giving your mind and body a break but engaging in a luxurious act of self care that will serve your overall wellness.
In reality, you can’t go wrong when you’re focused on making healthy life choices. Start in a place that feels best for you. From your overall health and mental wellness to the renewed energy you can gift yourself and your interpersonal relationships, taking the time to work on your goals will pay off. With a fresh, new year again, it’s time to brush yourself off and start over with new ideas and ways to make this year an amazing one. Happy New Year to you and may all your resolutions see you through.