There is no doubt 2020 has challenged us in ways we never thought possible, and it has caused instability in a variety of ways for many people. Our physical, mental, and emotional health has been at risk all year. Most people are struggling to find normalcy as their routines, and daily life has been demolished.
The effects of COVID-19 have caused a drastic increase in substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and a decrease in self-worth. However, 2021 is a year for healing and a time for some serious self-care. Even though times have been incredibly stressful, it is pivotal that we commit to taking steps towards creating a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled life in 2021.
Below is our 2021 self-care checklist! Here are ten easy tips to help ensure a better and healthier year. So, let’s get started!
1.) Discover what makes you feel grateful.
Gratitude is critical when it comes to achieving optimism in your life. There is always something to be grateful for regardless of our current circumstances. When we focus on what we do have and push out what we don’t have, we can discover clarity and what truly matters.
2.) Allow yourself to rest
Sleep deprivation causes your body to operate on low fuel. Cognitive abilities decline, as do mood and attention span. Make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep per night.
3.) Go offline
Make a real commitment to reducing your screen time. During your downtime, find new ways to fill your time that are more rewarding than endlessly scrolling through Instagram.
4.) Learn something new
It’s easy to get burned out when your brain is always firing down the same pathways. Boost your brainpower by learning something new!
5.) Spring clean your social media
Social media can be a fantastic tool to get information and feel connected to others. However, social media can also be dangerous to your self-confidence as you may be comparing yourself to an unrealistic image. Take stock of what accounts you follow and notice how they make you feel. Consider unfollowing accounts that chip away at your self-esteem or leave you with a negative feeling.
6.) Clear the clutter
Invest time to trash junk mail, organize your closet, clean out expired products, and anything else to de-clutter your life! Studies have shown that cluttered environments can cause stress and lower self-control. Clean up your home and your mood.
7.) Go outside
Time outdoors and being in motion helps improve mood, sharpens thinking, and lowers anxiety. Being in nature may also reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Enhance your mental and physical health by committing to time outside.
8.) Donate your time
Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and lowers loneliness. Studies show that volunteers are less anxious about social situations and have a lower incidence of depression.
9.) Get your sweat on
Exercise isn’t just about your physical health; it’s also a powerful mental health tool proven to help depression and anxiety. Find a physical activity that you genuinely love and commit to it or 2021.
10.) Do nothing
Regardless if it’s binge-watching TV, getting lost in a good book, or jamming out to music, whatever “nothing” means to you, do it.
Bottom line: 2021 is YOUR year to shine bright!
