Hello 2021, Goodbye 2020!

I think we are all feeling okay with moving onto a new year. We will never forget 2020 – faced with a pandemic, came hardship – physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. Many lost loved ones to the coronavirus, while others risked their lives to be frontline workers to help those in need. And as we have heard over and over – We are all in this together. It is true. No matter how isolated we may feel during Covid, it does help slightly to know that we are all doing our best to help each other through this crazy, unique time. As we each go through our individual challenges, we are becoming stronger and more resilient. It has been a learning curve for us all. So, what can we learn from this past year, so that we can move forward to a brand new year with health, happiness, and love – because surely we all desire these…..

1. Gratitude – try to focus on what we are grateful for in our lives, rather than what we don’t have. Try to stay optimistic, even though this isn’t always an easy task. It is known that a practice of daily gratitude can improve sleep, reduce depression and anxiety, enhance collaboration, and strengthen balance in our lives.
2. Stay Active – incorporating a daily ritual of an enjoyable exercise regime can support our bodies physically, by strengthening our lungs and heart – the vital organs that bring us life and allow us to remain healthy. In addition, serotonin (a ‘feel-good’ hormone in our body) is released when we exercise, allowing us to feel stronger mentally and emotionally.
3. Sleep – we have all been forced to spend more time at home during periods of lockdown with the pandemic. Hopefully, this has allowed us to maintain a better routine of sleep hygiene. Proper quantity and quality of sleep is instrumental in restoring and regenerating all of the trillions of cells in our bodies.
4. Stress Reduction – we have been put through a huge test this year as to how we deal with stress in our lives. Covid has brought stress to us all in some capacity – some more than others. Besides proper sleep and exercise, reducing our stress levels can also be achieved by eating a nurturing balanced diet, as well as taking time for ourselves. This can include soaking in a warm bath, meditating, connecting with loved ones, diving into a great book, or getting out into nature with your pet.
5. The Importance of Connection – when we are forced into isolation, we really start to think about who our tribe is, and the value that these people and animals have in our lives. We look towards family, friends, co-workers, our pets, and our natural surroundings to connect. Having a deep connection to others is so important when we are going through difficult times. It allows us to draw on each other for strength, support, wisdom, and love. We look towards our core friends/family and our community to help tackle hardships in our lives.

So here’s to 2021 – a year full of HOPE, HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND LOVE!

Author Info

Ashely Gordon