8 Ways To Make The Most Of 2021, Because The New Year Deserves A New Mindset
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

8 Ways To Make The Most Of 2021, Because The New Year Deserves A New Mindset

Finding your way to greater well-being in 2021 is easier than you think.

51
8 Ways To Make The Most Of 2021, Because The New Year Deserves A New Mindset

2020 has posed some of the greatest challenges of our lives. 2021 is a time to remind yourself to take good care of yourself. Here are some meaningful ways to make 2021 a more balanced year for your mind, body, and soul.

1. Practice self-compassion.

During the pandemic, many people are good at showing compassion for others, but a lot of the time, they forget to be compassionate towards themselves. Practicing self-compassion this year will not only help you take care of yourself, but it will also give you space for yourself to breathe in a healing and kind way. It is important to remember that this pandemic is affecting everyone emotionally, mentally and physically, including yourself.

2. Take care of your basic needs.

I know I can at least speak for myself when I say I get a little moody when I forget to take care of my basic needs. A lot of the time we find ourselves neglecting our body's need to sleep, eat, and be active. This can have a strong negative impact on our minds and bodies. With the new year, we should prioritize our needs, no matter how busy our lives get. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night, eat consistent balanced meals, and be active for at least 20 minutes every day.

3. Reflect and think about what you left behind in 2020.

As we begin a new year, we need to think about all of the good and bad that occurred in 2020. Be grateful for all the accomplishments, lessons, and things you've been through this past year. It's a good time to begin thinking about how you may or may not do things differently in 2021. This is a great way to give yourself perspective and make the past year feel complete.

4. Be present.

Many times we find ourselves re-living the past or worrying about the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present. An effective way of doing this is by using your senses. Notice five things you see, four things that you can feel, three things you can hear, two things that you smell, and one thing that you taste. This should help allow you to proceed with your day, fully in the moment.

5. Clean one space or thing.

Working or just being in a messy area always seems to stress me out. Cleaning up can help clear your mind and help you focus. Whether you clean your bedroom, wash your car, or scrub your bath tub, the reward of a nicely cleaned space is always uplifting.

6. Learn a new skill.

Learning something new doesn't have to the worst thing in the world. Start off with something you can easily incorporate into your daily life, like a new recipe. Trying new things and learning can boost self-confidence and raise self-esteem. There are plenty of apps and technology that can help you take on new projects like video editing, or photography. The internet can help you learn anything you have an interest in, from astronomy and science to painting and artists.

7. Recall positive life events.

Spend time thinking about your best memories. Whether it's a vacation, an award you received, or even time spent with friends, recalling the happiest times of your life can bring more positivity to your mindset. These memories keep us going and keep us connected to the people in our lives.

8. Practice forgiveness.

Holding grudges and hanging on to anger is not something we need to bring into 2021. It's important to practice forgiveness, whether it's toward ourselves or others. Forgiveness allows us to let go of past hurt and lean towards good mental well-being. Releasing these emotions will allow you to move into a greater state of well-being.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52982
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34037
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956692
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181480
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments