2020 has been a year full of events that no one expected. From a global pandemic to political unrest, most people feel more disconnected both physically and emotionally than ever before. Not having the ability to see friends and family for almost year can make even the most optimistic person seem hopeless. While it can be easy to get down in a rut after a year like this, starting 2021 with a positive outlook to help you look and feel your best is easier than it may sound. With a few key actions, you can start 2021 with your best foot forward.
- Start a Journal
Starting a journal is a great way to transition into 2021. First and foremost, its a great way to get any feelings, negative or positive, down on paper. Writing in a journal can be extremely therapeutic, especially in the times when you are feeling down. In addition, looking back in a journal throughout the year can help remind you of how far you have come, and how much you have to be thankful for. Find yourself a cute journal, and set a weekly reminder to jot down your highs and lows of the week. The highs will remind you of why you are so blessed, and the lows will give you a chance to sit in your feelings and get all those feelings onto paper.
- Maintain Your Goal Book
Having a goal book is an excellent way to start 2021 off on a positive note. Not only is it a great tool to hold yourself accountable and continue your life progressing forward in a positive way, but it’s also a great way to make you feel like you’re on top of your life. The feeling of having your life in order is a major way to start out 2021 with your best foot forward.
The goals you choose to put in your goal book may range from small goals like exercising three times per week to large goals, like finding a new job. Regardless, having these goals written down before 2020 ends is a great way to position yourself for the type of 2021 you are hoping to have.
- Start a Travel Pinterest Board
One of the biggest things that has all of us down right now is the inability to travel. With bachelorette parties cancelled, weddings cancelled, trips to Europe cancelled, it can feel downright impossible to be optimistic about traveling again. However, starting a Pinterest board with all your dream destinations can help to bring back some positivity again. While you may not be hopping on a plane tomorrow, having a well planned out Pinterest board will help keep your wanderlust alive, and remind you of all the amazing places around the world the next time you are ready to hop on a plane.
- Remind Yourself of Your Blessings
One of the reasons people tend to get down and have a negative outlook is because they become too focused on their problems, and not focused enough on the blessings in their life. We all lose focus of how wonderful our lives are from time to time. If you feel like you are not in a positive place at the end of 2020, take a few minutes a think about five things you have to be grateful for. It will immediately put you in a more positive headspace.
In addition, a great way to encourage those around you to step into 2021 with a positive outlook is to have everyone at your small NYE get together, or NYE Zoom call with the family, say the top three things they are thankful for. You and those around you will be ready to move into 2021 with a positive outlook, and you will feel your best as your ring in the New Year.
- Remember That it’s OK to Get Down
While it’s important to remind yourself of your blessings, it’s also OK to get down. 2020 has been a very difficult year. Many people experienced losing family or friends, lost jobs, a disconnection from loved ones like never experienced before, and an overall fear of the unknown with all things related to COVID-19. The first step to a more positive mindset is understanding the negatives in your life. It’s OK to get down about missed opportunities in 2020. When you do feel down, the best way to jumpstart your way out of that negative space is by reorganizing your room. Turn those negative feelings into productive actions such as cleaning, to help you feel like you’ve accomplished something. Recognize the bad parts of 2020 and put them to bed as you get ready to ring in 2021 with a new, positive outlook.
- Splurge On An Item You’ve Been Wanting
Sometimes, retail therapy is all you need to look and feel your best. Whether it’s splurging on a Peloton to help get those endorphins going, or splurging on a new Tumi suitcase for when the travel industry is up and thriving again, buy that item you have been eyeing the last nine months. With virtually no money spent on travel expenses this year, you likely have some money set aside for your yearly vacations that didn’t get a chance to be used in 2020.
Regardless of what you choose to purchase, do not forget to put it on your favorite travel credit card to earn more points. In 2020, travel may not have been what it used to be, but fear not, travel will eventually be back stronger than ever, and you’ll have at least a year’s worth of points saved up when it does come back.
- Call Your Friends And Family Regularly
One of the best ways to go into 2021 with a positive outlook is to keep your friends and family as close as possible. While you may not be able to physically be with loved ones, staying in touch via phone calls, texts, and social media can help you to remain positive during this difficult time. Being “quarantined” doesn’t have to mean being completely isolated. We live in the age of technology and there’s no better time to put that technology to work in order to keep strong family and friend ties, despite the distance.
- Rescue a Dog
Dogs are one of the best ways to help you stay positive through even the most difficult of times. Not only can you save a dog’s life by rescuing it, but it can also help you to remain hopeful. Focusing on caring for a dog can help to get your mind off of all the negativity going on in the world. In addition, dogs are proven to lower anxiety levels and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you see them.
- Sign Up For At Home Workouts
One of the best ways to help you feel your best going into 2021 is by signing up for some kind of workout class. Whether in-home private training sessions or online workout classes, get yourself signed up for a workout you know you can stick to in the New Year. Not only will you feel like you have accomplished something after every workout, but you will literally be on your way to looking and feeling your best. Working out is one of the best proven ways to boost your metal health and increase your positivity.
- Plan Your Next Trip
Last but not least, planning your next trip can greatly boost your outlook on 2021. With the vaccine being rolled out across the world, it is only a matter of time before travel is back to normal. While you may not have an exact date for your next trip, mapping out flight options, point usage, hotel stays, and itineraries is a great way to stay positive heading into 2021. In addition, many hotels are offering very flexible cancellation policies with heavily discounted rooms for those looking to book travel in 2021. 2021 may end up being the best year to travel yet!
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