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:
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:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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:
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/
Sometimes it’s hard to notice when we've become trapped in familiar routines. Take our quiz to find out if you’re stuck in a rut and what you can do about it.
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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.
People spend so much of their time regretting the past and worrying about the future. But it’s not worth it! Even what happened yesterday doesn't matter anymore! Let go of the past and the future and make the most of every moment.
When you think about things that will make you happy, what are the images that come to mind? Wealth, beauty, a dream house, long holidays, a top of the range car? Happiness is not a constant and how happy we feel depends on the way we choose to live our lives.
Can we learn from our mistakes and develop a stronger, healthier emotional bondwith our kids? To help you identify your weak spots, we’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes parents make.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have taken unprecedented measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. The rapid changes we've seen have had an impact on almost every aspect of our lives.
Irrational anxieties can seem overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life. Learn how to beat your fears and worries and take back control.
It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.
Being happy is something everybody strives for, but unfortunately there are a lot of people who go through life unhappily. A lot of people take life how it is.
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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.
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