How to start the new year with a positive mindset
Want to get the new year off to the best possible start? Here’s how to start the new year with a positive mindset.
2020 was a tumultuous year, to say the least. With it impossible to predict one month to the next, sadly people were having to alter plans left, right and centre.
And it seems that Christmas was no exception, as new research conducted in the lead up to the festive periodfound that 84% of Brits thought that this Christmas would be different than usual for them.
But while the festive season may not have lived up to previous years, hopefully it wasn’t all doom and gloom, and with it all done and dusted, we now have a brand-new year upon us.
In order to get 2021 started on a positive note, here are some simple habits you can adopt to stay happy and healthy this year.
Make some time for meditation
Some of the most common new year’s resolutions tend to be shedding weight, changing career or starting a side hustle. While those are all good resolutions, it’s important to make time to focus on your mental wellbeing, which is where mediation can help.
Taking half an hour to relax and take your mind off the pressures of the day can help reduce stress and anxiety. Practising meditation can also improve concentration, aid self-esteem and bring peace of mind.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of meditation apps that can help you relax and leave you feeling refreshed. You can also read a beginners guide to meditation here.
Cook healthy meals
The festive period is time to indulge in everything from chocolates and party food to a glass or two of bubbly. But as tasty as this kind of food is, it can leave you feeling sluggish and your body will thank you for feeding it some extra vegetables.
Experiment in the kitchen with a few new healthy recipes that are packed with nutrients and vitamins to fuel your body and your mind. Cooking your favourite meal at home not only saves you money, but it’ll mean you have full control of what goes on to your plate and into your body.
Find the right exercise for you
January usually sees a spike in gym memberships, and home workout equipment gets dusted off in the hope of fulfilling the ‘new year, new me’ sentiment. But as the month comes to an end, the gyms are empty, and the kettlebell is back in its corner.
Find an exercise that you feel good doing. If the thought of doing a hardcore HIIT session fills you with dread or yoga classes make you yawn, don’t make yourself do it.
Instead, focus on doing exercises that you enjoy, and you can commit to, so you can get those endorphins pumping on a regular basis. There are loads of ways you can stay fit and keep your mind healthy, from a gentle walk to a sweaty boxercise class – you can find one that you love.
Tailor your social media feed to what you want to see
With shops and other amenities shut down, it’s inevitable that screen times will rise, so it’s important to create a positive experience on your social media. With all the extra time spent scrolling through Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, it’s important to fill your timeline with accounts that you align with and make you feel good.
Have a look through who you’re following on your social media feeds and assess how that person or account makes you feel and unfollow accordingly. The aim is to make your timeline a positive and calming place to visit to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and personal comparisons with others.
With just a few simple changes to your daily life, it can have a massive impact on your mindset to make 2021 your most mentally positive year yet.
Photo by Paul Green
