We can agree 2020 has been a challenging year and that it’s fair to be optimistic that 2021 will be a much more positive year for everyone. We have experienced many historical events in one year that can last us a lifetime. For international students around the globe, 2020 has been a year full of frustration and setbacks. You could go on for days about how this year has impacted us, but on a positive note, we should all be grateful we have gotten through 2020!
As 2021 approaches, this is the best time to reflect over the last 12 months and plan for the new year. What are your goals for 2021? Why do you want to accomplish these goals? Most importantly, how do you plan to achieve your goals?
As you think about yours, here are 11 ideas of New Year’s resolutions for the year 2021:
1. Prioritize your health
Though getting in shape is often the cliché New Year’s resolution this year has shown us how important your health is. It’s impossible to understate the importance of eating healthy, getting an adequate amount of sleep, and staying active. These things are great for your mental health, strengthen your immune system, and will help mitigate health issues later in life. In addition, continue to keep contact with other people to a minimum and wear a face mask in public spaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
2. Budget your money
With the current state of the global economy, now is as a good a time as ever to make sure you are taking care of your money. Creating a budget can be stressful at times but not knowing where your money is going and being unable to cover your expenses is even more stressful. Budgeting for unexpected dinners out, new clothes, or even a subscription you forgot to cancel will prepare you and your bank account from financial hardship. Get ahead of the game and start budgeting your money!
3. Accept change
Surprisingly, most people are not very good at accepting change in their life. Experiencing a global pandemic has forced many of us to change how we live. Change can be painful in the beginning, but with time you will start to get used to it and it can be a good thing if you allow it. Being more open to things will allow you to grow as a person and become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Make a goal to accept change and think positive thoughts as they come.
4. Create a cleaning schedule you will stick to
Cleaning is one of those things that need to get done, but you never really want to do. We all enjoy having our space neat and organized, but not all of us know exactly how to get there in a quick timeframe. Life can be busy and makes it difficult to find time to clean. The best way to keep your house tidy is by creating a schedule. This will allow you to properly manage your tasks and make cleaning less overwhelming.
5. Practice Gratitude
This year, most of us are experiencing added stress. You might be thinking about whether you are going to be able to visit an extended family, worried about remote learning or money, or concerned about the health and wellbeing of loved ones. Although these things can surely be out of our control, we should focus on maintaining and supporting our own mental health and well-being by practicing gratitude every day. Find the things that you can be thankful for and make sure you remember them whenever times get difficult.
6. Consider Therapy
Our mental health affects how we handle stress, relate to one another, and make decisions. 2020 has taken a toll on everyone, and your mental health is extremely important. Make a New Year’s resolution for 2021 to not only take care of your physical health but also your mental health. All ISO plans cover mental and nervous disorders just like any other sickness. If you are not feeling well and need to see a provider you can do so by clicking here. For outside mental health resources, please use this article for help managing personal concerns, emotional issues, transition and adjustment concerns, academic stress, career development, and the demands of daily and family obligations.
7. Cook one new thing each week
Did you know cooking at home is more affordable and healthier than ordering take out? There are many benefits of making home-cooked meals and it always helps to know exactly what is in the food you are eating. Challenge yourself to cook one new thing a week and expand your knowledge of food while saving money in the process. It’s healthier and will give you more satisfaction knowing you prepared your food by yourself. Need help looking for recipes? Here are 24 new healthy recipes to try in 2021.
8. Make time for self-care
2021 is all about you! It is important to set aside time to do things you want to do. This can include trying a new hobby, listening to podcasts, or even taking a nap. While some can misinterpret self-care as selfish, it is quite the opposite. When you pay enough attention to your well-being, you are not considering your needs alone. You help strengthen yourself so that you can a better version of yourself for the people around you.
9. Drink more water
Having enough water every day is vital to your wellbeing. If you’ve ever gone through a long day and felt like you were having trouble focusing or staying in a positive mood, it may be because you were dehydrated. It seems like it wouldn’t be a huge deal but your hydration levels have a huge effect on your everyday living. Health experts typically recommend eight 8-ounce bottles, which are equivalent to around 2 liters or half a gallon a day. If you are under this recommendation, make it a goal to start drinking more water in the new year.
10. Get better sleep
Sleep makes you feel better, it is the key part of a healthy lifestyle that has many benefits. Getting the recommended eight hours of sleep is just as critical as eating healthy and exercising. Insufficient sleep is linked to a variety of health issues, from depression to heart disease. It may be difficult if you have a packed schedule but you should always prioritize getting a full night’s rest.
11. Stick to your resolutions
When you start a resolution, you should always stay focused on taking things day by day. Oftentimes, people will get discouraged by not achieving their goals in a short time period. A new behavior does not happen overnight as your body will need time to adjust but it gets easier as you continue to put your time and energy into it. Try to stay motivated and do not give up, you can do this! You try the following tips to help you make long-lasting positive changes for the new year.
