Phew! Yep, that’s a sigh of relief as 2020 draws to a close. And what a year it’s been! Coronavirus, murder hornets, and so much more bad stuff that we can’t even list it. So, if you’re ready to nap through this New Year’s Eve, instead of the usual party, no one will blame you. But before you settle in under the covers, it’s time to take a moment and commit to making 2021 your best year yet. After all, you deserve it!
3 Good habits you need in your life in 2021
Practice a gratitude Mindset
Ok, no one is going to suggest that all the challenges that made 2020 so tough will just disappear as soon as we ring in the New Year. But what if there was something you could do to make this year feel entirely different?
Sometimes we can’t change our circumstances. However, we can change how we feel about them. Using the concept and practice of gratitude in our everyday lives helps us recharge our minds to the positive and actually feel happier, even if our external situation remains the same.
Gratitude works by actively recognizing the things we are thankful for. This could be in the form of journaling or simply telling ourselves in the mirror, “I’m thankful for…” By actively (and this part’s important) expressing gratitude, we gradually change our outlook from “Why me?” to “Wow, I have so much great stuff in my life!”
It might sound simple, so why bother? Gratitude has long been proven to help make us happier, aid in overall psychological well-being, and make us more mentally resilient, which is just what is needed amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Simply put, gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for keeping yourself happy and sane in 2021.
Great gratitude activities:
- Write a thank you note, and hand deliver it
- Journal your gratitude
- Morning gratitude affirmations in the mirror
- Pray or meditation on what you’re grateful for
- Tell someone about your experience or thank them in person.
Make time to exercise
During lockdowns, we were all urged to stay healthy at home. And at the start, it was great, but soon the novelty started to wear off. We sunk back into bad habits such as over-snacking, lazing around, and in general, following unhealthy work habits – for those who took working at home to mean working all the time.
So, now, it’s time to bring out that old cliché – New Year, New You! And kickstart it off the right way with some exercise. Verv has a great challenge lined up in our app to help you get fit for New Year, but if you’re looking for something different, why not start with a simple walk. There’s nothing better than a brisk walk to push down those holiday dinners and push up your heart rate. So, tie up those shoes and let’s go walking.
Getting out into the fresh air is not only great for your body, but it’s also good for your mind too. Make exercise a habit, and not only will you feel healthier, but you’ll also have more clarity too.
Alternatively, if you’re not ready to brave those cold winter days just yet, you can always workout at home. Really rock it into the New Year by switching on some tunes and giving it your best Rockstar impression (Psst! For the Moms out there, there’s even a rock version of Baby Shark). So, no matter what you’re up to, make time for some heart-healthy dancing.
Because exercise boosts those feel-good hormones that help us de-stress and relax, meaning you’ll be ready to rock your life.
Great reasons to get moving:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces your risk of heart disease and diabetes
- Makes you feel better
- You’ll great in jeans (once the lockdown is over)
- Just for FUN!
Start eating more healthily
No healthy habits for the New Year guide would be complete without this little gem – a healthy diet. Right now, after stuffing yourself over the holiday season, you’re probably finding yourself in one of two camps. One, you never want to see another sweet treat again. Two, you swear you only want salad from here on out.
But no matter which you are, it’s time to get that diet back on track. Does that mean it’s all rabbit food from here on out? NO! Of course, not. It does mean that you’ll need to take a little time to plan your eating, including lots of delicious, healthy ingredients, and get it right.
There is no perfect diet out there. There is only the one that’s right for you. That’s why you need to create a meal plan that suits your needs. Of course, there are a few golden rules to help you along the way.
Golden rules for your New Year diet:
- Lots of fruits and vegetables (you can even eat frozen). These will help keep your immune system charges and ready to fight any virus.
- Reduce fast food. This can cause an inflammation response in your system and leave your body weaker.
- Make sure you get your proteins, carbs, and micronutrients. These are all essential in ensuring you feel good.
- Avoid lockdown eating patterns and make sure you make time for your meals.
- Don’t be afraid of dessert. Just learn to do it right. We’ve even got a few secret recipes up our sleeve for you. Yum!!!
Happy New Year from us!
From all of us at Verv, we wish you a Happy New Year. We’re so glad you were with us through the turbulent times of 2020. Now, at the dawn of the New Year, let’s take the chance to wish for something better and build it together. Here’s to a Happy New Year and an even happier new you.
