Let's make 2021 better than 2020

For many people, 2020 has been one of the worst years they can remember. The COVID -19 pandemic and social unrest have changed our lives in ways we would not have believed possible a year ago. And when January 2021 comes around, we're still likely to be facing many challenges. Can 2021 be a better year?

To support your emotions in stressful times, Bach flowers can help with a range of problems including insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks. There's no point in worrying about things you can't control, but there are plenty of simple changes you can make so that 2021 is a better year for you. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Be more assertive and learn how to say "no"

Being assertive with family, friends and colleagues is one of the bravest things you can do. Setting boundaries might result in people becoming upset with you, but people who love you and are loyal friends or colleagues will respect the limits you set. Some of the things you might consider saying no to include:

• Being spoken to in a disrespectful or unkind way
• Being expected to do things without being given enough time
• Doing things that you consider unhealthy, or which undermine your self-esteem.
• Competing with your peers for the best car, clothes or house
• Not staying silent when you are unfairly criticised

2. Write down your resolutions

Many of us make New Year's resolutions with the best of intentions, but by the end of January, they're often forgotten. If you write down the goals you hope to achieve, you're much more likely to persevere with them. And tell other people about them! We are social beings and require the good opinion of others, so if other people know about your resolutions, you're more likely to achieve them.

3. Do good deeds

Try to do something nice for someone at least once every month. While you probably already do lots of things to help others anyway, make a point of doing something extra now and then. It doesn't have to be expensive or a grand gesture - it can be anything from babysitting for a friend, doing some shopping or gardening for an elderly neighbour, or making a donation to a local charity. Doing something nice for someone else not only helps the recipient but also boosts your self-esteem and lifts your spirits.

4. Treat yourself

At the same time, look after yourself by treating yourself every month to something you want. Again, it doesn't matter what it is: a trip to a beauty spot, a new novel, a spa day or some delicious chocolates. Treating yourself is very important. It energises you and boosts your self-confidence. You'll also feel more cared for and contented so stop feeling guilty about "giving in". Treating yourself could be the first step towards a better year!

5. Get moving

We all know that exercise is good for us, so try to move around a bit more. You don't have to start training for a half marathon: get up from your desk at lunchtime and go for a stroll around the block, or go for a cycle ride or walk in the evening. It's not just about the exercise; it's about being outside, enjoying a change of scenery and a break in your routine.

6. Sleep well

Sleep is one of our most basic needs, and if you aren't getting enough good quality sleep, your health and wellbeing will be affected.

If you aren't sleeping as well as you'd like, try the following tips for good sleep hygiene:

• Stick to the same times for sleeping and waking, even at the weekend.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark by using blackout curtains if necessary.
• Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature - ideally between 15 - 18 degrees.
• Background noise such as soft music or a recording of rain falling blocks out noises that might disturb your sleep, such as traffic, or early birdsong in summer.
• Switch off your screens an hour or two before bedtime. The blue light emitted by our electronic devices disrupts the release of melatonin, the hormone produced in the brain that makes you feel sleepy.
• If you can't sleep because you're worried and fearful, Bach Flower Mix 87 can help you feel calm for a peaceful night's slumber.

7. Don't get stuck in a rut

Do you feel as if you've reached a dead end with your job or hobbies? As you move through life, you sometimes outgrow things that you used to enjoy. Take a look at how you spend your time and try to reduce any activities that bore you or drag you down. As the old saying has it, life isn't a rehearsal! If you're no longer getting a buzz from a sport or hobby, it's time to pare it back and try something new.

Sources:

https://www.mindforlife.org/nice-persons-guide-becoming-assertive/

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/doing-good-does-you-good/health-benefits-altruim

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/sleep/

Other articles

Can you accept things you can't change? Take our quiz!

Your relationship ends, or you lose your job, and you get stuck in a rut of negative thoughts and suffering. How good are you at letting go of grudges and accepting that some things are beyond your control? Take our quiz to find out!

Live Forever: the Habits of People Who Live a Long, Healthy Life

Legends of immortality have been told and retold throughout history. From ancient Greek myths to modern movies and novels, the dream of eternal youth has been passed down from generation to generation.

Simple tips to not be afraid of the future

No one knows what the future holds, so don't waste time and energy worrying about it. Read our tips and find out how to stop being afraid of what might never happen.

20 natural ways to prevent and relieve headaches

Headaches can be a real nuisance, especially if you get them frequently. Luckily, there are many natural ways to prevent and relieve headaches without needing to reach for over the counter medication.

Letting go of the past: 5 tips

Lynn Anderson told it very nicely in her song “I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden”. Life isn’t all roses and everybody experiences something they would rather not once in their life.

Feeling blue?

Feeling blue? You're not alone! We all feel sad at times; it's a normal human emotion. Sometimes, it's clear to see what has triggered our depression. Common reasons for feeling sad include bereavement, the end of a relationship, losing your job or money problems. But it's not always so clearcut.

How to break your bad habits

Bad habits waste your energy and time. They disrupt your life, risk your health and stop you from achieving your aims. So why do we do them? And what can we do to break our bad habits?

Do you think too much? Or too little?

Feel like you overthink too much? Having a hard time making decisions? Or feel like you don’t consider your options enough? Find out how to strike a balance.

Do We Label Too Fast?

Nowadays, it can sometimes seem almost everyone has a mental health issue or learning disorder. But, are we too quick to label people, or is it that we are more aware of the problems? This article looks at some of the issues surrounding these sensitive questions.

Is it OCD? Find out!

While you often hear people joking that they have OCD because they like to keep their house clean and tidy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be a distressing and debilitating mental health condition with a wide range of symptoms.