5 Healthy Habits for 2021
5 Healthy Habits for 2021
Congratulations you made it through 2020! I don’t know about you but rolling into this new year happened without much fanfare and with a whole trail of 2020 madness following close behind. When we’re faced with ongoing challenges (like 2020 brought our way) sometimes they can take over and make it difficult to function in healthy ways. January is a great time to turn the page on chaos and make a new start.
Here are 5 habits to shed the chaos of 2020 and see this coming year with fresh perspective:
Pre-schedule personal growth time. In a world where you might be remote working and homeschooling one day and completely changing plans the next, finding time to focus, reflect and grow might feel impossible. Even so, it’s still one of the best ways to strengthen your mental and spiritual health. Give this a try: pull out your calendar, block an hour a week or a larger time frame once or twice a month to focus on things that fill you up. Once the time is scheduled keep the appointment with yourself like it’s the highest priority in your calendar.
Get outside on a regular basis. Take the kids puddle stomping, bundle up for a wintery hike, take a walk around the neighborhood, toss a frisbee at the park, or head out on the trail with a friend. However you manage it, getting outside can boost the mood and help reset our outlook on life.
Reduce your sugar intake. One of the top 5 “How to” searches in 2020 was for how to reduce acid reflux! You might not have control over the election, the virus, the stock market or your two year old but you can make choices to help reduce the stress load on your system. I know broccoli isn’t nearly as fun as ice cream but your body just might thank you for taking a break from extra sugars and munching on some veggies instead.
Say “Yes!” to fun things. Confession: When I get stressed my “go to” answer for adding anything to the schedule is, “No, thank you.” Then I stick to my comfortable, homebody existence. But I’m [almost] always thankful when I say yes to something fun, even if it means putting forth some extra effort. Things to try: Make a new recipe, head out to an escape room or drive-in movie, play games with your family, follow along with a painting tutorial online, learn a new instrument or language, or find something else that sounds enjoyable and say, “Yes!”
Reconnect with people. I get it, there’s still a pandemic and choosing to see people feels risky for reasons that go beyond the possibility of getting sick. The thing is, we are hardwired for human connection. If you’ve been isolated for the past several months it’s time to find a way to see people and rekindle some connection. Groups are launching here at Vintage and we’d love to help you find a place to reconnect. To find out more you can email our Groups Pastor, David Krall at davidk@vintagegrace.org.
We can take comfort in the fact that whatever we plan. God knows what the future has in store for us. He’s good and He’s faithful to bring the work he started in us in 2020 to completion. Come what may, let's look for ways in 2021 to be for each other, bring fun back into our lives and push pause on stress!