As we reflect on last year and begin another trip around the sun, perhaps there are things we can take from 2020 to start anew in 2021.
With what you experienced in 2020, will you approach 2021 differently?
Have We Moved Beyond Resolutions?
A long-standing tradition across the world, New Year’s resolutions have been a refreshing way to take stock of and reflect upon the year and plan for a better one ahead. Popular resolutions have always included going to the gym, losing X amount of pounds, switching up one’s diet, reconnecting with estranged friends, reading more books, etc. However, there’s a lot of insecurity about what lies ahead in 2021.
If you’re like many Americans, you might not even be considering setting formal “resolutions.” So much has changed in our lives in 2020, it seems appropriate to view them differently. Particularly since March 2020, it has been difficult to effectively plan for many of us. Many goals, resolutions and events were canceled or postponed. So, maybe something less resolute is in order for 2021. How about “intentions?”
Intentions for a Long-Awaited New Year
While the usual categories are still up for grabs, we’ve all taken a step back and, perhaps, seen the bigger picture. COVID-19 has caused us to realize how fragile life can be and the extent we’ve had to go to protect the ones we love. As we consider the year to come, it’s clear that each of us has a part to play in the health of those around us – even if it means simply staying home when necessary.
Health and Fitness
Setting intentions for the New Year may focus on your health – from walking on the treadmill each day to doing yoga a few times a week; however, it’s equally admirable to consider the health of those around you. By wearing a mask, staying home when sick, and continuing other safety protocols, we can keep others safer than they would be otherwise. Think about what you can reasonably expect from yourself during this time, and set your intentions accordingly.
Diet
There have been a few stocking issues at grocery stores across the nation this year, so your intentions for 2021 should consider this. It may not be prudent, for example, to expect a keto diet heavy in meat to work for you all year. Perhaps, instead, you can set the intention to try to grow some of your food – even if it’s just an herb container garden in the city. If this year has taught us anything, it’s that self-reliance has moderate benefit, especially when it’s safer to stay at home.
Mental Wellbeing
As could be expected, general anxiety and depression have significantly increased since the beginning of the pandemic. While no one can be blamed for feeling this way, we must recognize it and talk about it as a society. Social isolation, to any extent, isn’t healthy – we are social creatures, after all. When we consider our intentions for 2021, perhaps a regular discussion about mental health with family members, friends, and healthcare providers should be a priority.
“Having friends and other social connections is good for your health and wellbeing.
Being lonely or isolated can affect your mental and physical health.”
Quarantine and limited social gatherings have made it challenging to meet new people; most of us aren’t even in the office regularly. Since social connection is so vital for each of us, it might be in the best interest of our physical and mental health to emphasize relationships for the New Year. Even if we aren’t cultivating new relationships, we can still set intentions to keep in touch with friends and family members.
Take some time to reflect on 2020 and the decisions you and your family have made. What can you take away from the unprecedented year we all endured that will change your focus for the new year? Has your primary focus changed at all? Here at Kadan, we want you to live your best life – in 2021 and beyond. Please feel free to reach out to us with your physical and mental health concerns; we’re here for you.
