Goodbye 2020, Hello to New Healthy Habits!

2020 has been a blast… said no one ever. We have all experienced some kind of setback this year, whether it be financial, mental, physical or emotional. I think for a lot of us, we are so excited for 2021 just to be able to leave 2020 behind us and never look back, and we are hopeful for an easier year ahead. We want fresh starts, new mindsets and new habits. Looking for some new healthy habits to adopt in the new year? We have some ideas for you.

Focus on Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all stop and reevaluate our health. It is more important now than ever to take control of our mental, physical and emotional health as we head into 2021. Kicking bad habits to the curb like smoking cigarettes, not exercising, not going to the doctor for checkups and not focusing on mental health can all contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Let’s start 2021 off strong by making overall health a priority, not an afterthought.

Make Virtual Calls to Loved Ones

With the age of social distancing, we have all adjusted to chatting with our loved ones virtually. And, with busy schedules and traveling complications, it may seem impossible to get around to visiting those who don’t live right next to you. A simple FaceTime, Skype or Zoom call to your far- away family or friends can mean the world to them. So in 2021, make a habit of calling at least one loved one a week to check-in and catch up.

Positive Self-Talk

Many parents teach their children this simple phrase: “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it at all.” This same principle should be applied to the way that we talk to ourselves! We are our own worst critics, but having a negative view of ourselves can be detrimental to our mental health, body image and self-esteem. If you have a habit of picking your image apart in the mirror, beating yourself up over the little things or comparing your worth to others, it’s time for a change. Use 2021 to shower yourself with positive self-talk and affirmations. Here are some examples of phrases to say to yourself every day to help you on your journey:

“I love my body for allowing me to hug my family.”

“I am important to many people, even when people forget to tell me I am important to them.”

“My self-worth is not determined by how many Instagram followers I have.”

“I am unique and special.”

“I believe that I am capable.”

“It’s okay to fail, and I will try again soon.”

“I am enough.”

Ditch Diets

Diet culture has been around for the past century, working to get men and women to buy into certain food habits or even “fat-blasting” supplements. While these diets have worked for some, they are not sustainable for most people and can actually lead to more serious food-related issues like eating disorders. In 2021, ditch the fad diets and learn how to eat healthier for your body type. It is important to remember that every body, metabolism and digestive system is different, so there is not a one-size-fits-all eating program to subscribe to. Talk to your doctor about how to eat healthier for your body type, and most importantly, stop torturing yourself with your diet. Practice moderation, and eat things that make your body feel happy and healthy.

Drink More Water

Humans can not survive without drinking water. According to the Mayo Clinic, men need 15.5 cups of water a day, and women need 11.5 cups. However, most people do not reach their daily water goals, and many people get water by drinking non- water beverages. Drinking more water on a daily basis can help brighten your skin, ease digestion, improve your immune system and so much more, according to Healthline, an online health resource. Also, what other beverage is completely free and zero calories? Make water your beverage of choice for 2021.