2020 has been an exhausting year. It has been a year of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual impact. From tragedy to triumph, we have seen it all. The best in humanity and the worst. Looking ahead to the next year may create feelings of apprehension and uncertainty. Will things get worse, stay the same or get better? Will we see the end of this pandemic and how many more lives will be lost and negatively impacted? How can we continue to cope effectively, find the silver linings and move forward? Here are some tips for keeping our hopes up and spirits high heading into 2021.
Focus on Looking Forward to Challenge and Change
Picture your life a year, or even two years from now. More than likely, life will have returned to a semblance of normalcy by that time, and we will have been able to largely resume all the activities that once filled our lives and calendars. Focus on that future, not just where we are today.
Significant change does not happen overnight. Things will get better, and the more we can be mindful of the bigger picture, the better we will be able to deal with the short-term obstacles in front of us. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead with confidence and courage. Recite the mantra that you are ready and able to handle anything that lies ahead.
Limit Your Intake of Negative Material
Whether it be news or social media, or simply a person in your life with an extremely pessimistic view, limit how much negativity you allow yourself to be exposed to. Instead, try to surround yourself with individuals who express positive and hopeful views of the future and are able to reframe situations and circumstances. Their optimism will rub off on you.
You can also try searching for inspirational quotes online or videos of inspirational speeches. These affirmations can have a powerful impact on your own mindset. Media is like food for the brain. Healthy in equals healthy out. Monitor your intake and feed yourself positivity.
Create a Peaceful Space
Our surroundings and our environment have a powerful effect on us. The last thing you want when you are trying to lift your spirits is to look around and see clutter or disorganization. Your external world will impact how you feel and the way you think. Our environments are a direct reflection of how we feel inside.
Never let a room get so messy that it takes more than five minutes to tidy up. The act of keeping up with the cleanliness and clutter of your spaces will allow you to feel more relaxed and accomplished.
Reflect on the Positive
We can so easily become overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions. If you feel this happening, take some time to pause and reflect on the things you are grateful for. Even just reflecting on the beauty of the natural world around can be a beautiful place to start.
Are there people in your life you are grateful for? Are there blessings you enjoy that others may not have? Taking time to reflect on the positive things in your life can immediately change your mood and relieve stress. Write these down in a list or in a journal. Make it a daily ritual to reflect on the positive.
Celebrate Small Wins
It can be a challenge to celebrate the small wins when you are holding onto a lot. But you can notice and celebrate the small things that life brings. It may be a task accomplished, a good report or that you took the high road when somebody criticized you. Purposely find the small things that made you proud of yourself throughout the day. Make a mental note about them. Reflect on your small wins and allow that sense of pride and joy into your heart.
Confide in Someone
Keeping everything in perspective and staying rational and mindful can be challenging. Sometimes we need to confide in trusted friends to explore and express our feelings. They do not have to try to solve anything for us. The act of simply holding space for you can be a relief and even motivate you to adjust your perspective and actions moving forward.
Sometimes, it can be helpful to seek the counsel of an experienced therapist who is objective and can offer professional services to you that are confidential and unbiased.
It is never too late to change your mindset, create more hope and set new goals. 2020 was hard but it also taught us some valuable lessons on how to truly live. May 2021 be brighter and offer the hope we all need for a better tomorrow.
