5 easy to follow habits to pick up in 2021
To improve your mental health
My relationship with new years resolutions is probably the same as for many people. I set them, I follow them, every day, then every weekday, then every other day until eventually and without really noticing, I have dropped them completely. Last year my resolution was to stop vaping, I managed for 6 months. The problem with that resolution was that it wasn’t mine, I didn’t do it for me and at the point where I found myself in the darkest place I had ever been, it went out the window in an instance. 2020 has been tough for most of us and I know I am not the only one having gone through abuse and heartbreak on top of everything else. A study in the UK has found that more 1 in 5 adults with no previous mental health issues are now reporting poor to very poor mental health and suicide rates around the world are at an all time high. But 2021 will be better, I know it. And this year I am setting resolutions for myself, easy habits that don’t require a lot of effort, but I know will improve my mental health.
1) 5 Minutes of exercise a day
I usually prefer team sports over the gym but lockdown doesn’t allow for many of the activities I would usually enjoy. Exercise is important for mental health, and I notice that I feel better and happier if I exercise regularly. The key is that it doesn’t have to be long. Even 5 minutes in the morning, while the kids have breakfast, can be beneficial for physical and mental health and give you energy for the day. There are a few apps that can guide you through 5-minute workouts, start slowly and increase every day. The one that I use personally and found helpful is called Female Fitness.
2) Write down gratitude/positives every day
Get a notebook, write a diary of the positive things that have happened every day. It doesn’t have to be big things, it can be small gestures or little moments you have enjoyed. Some days it might just be a single thing, others there might be more, but you might be surprised how much positive things happen every day. Sometimes I write about getting published, sometimes about a funny phrase my kids have used or a nice message I received at work. Reflecting and focusing on the positive aspects every day will gradually improve your mood and outlook.
3) Read every day
Read an article on Medium or a book, anything that isn’t news or social media. The point is to have focus time and learn something new. There are a few apps out there that offer access to different books and send reminders to read. I prefer to read instalments of books and medium articles, it really helps to train concentration spans in times of constant distractions.
4) Practise living in the moment
The concept of mindfulness / living in the moment seems so simple and yet can be so tricky to follow. One exercise that has helped me to practise is to focus on one sense at a time. This exercise can be very short and you can do it when you are waiting for the bus, the kettle to boil or any situation of the day really. Choose a sense, like hearing and concentrate on just that sense. Try to notice everything, the sounds the street makes, the wind, the boiler in the house. Another one is to try and notice new things while doing usual activities, like driving to work. Notice the colour and shape of things, street signs or material the houses are made of.
5) Connect with friends
Who knows how long the longdown will last, friends are more important than ever. Don’t be shy to contact people you haven’t spoken to in years, many will be happy to hear from you no matter what time has passed. Especially if you are going through a difficult time it can feel daunting to speak to someone about it. But the truth is that there are more people that are interested in your welfare than the ones that want to take you down. Join support groups, local communities, connect with like-minded people on social media and don’t be afraid to reach out.
