Finally! 2020 is almost over! We can breathe a sigh of relief as we begin to put the past year behind us. But is anyone else feeling a bit anxious about what 2021 might bring? Me too. I find myself flip-flopping between feeling utterly jaded about everything that has happened and being overly optimistic about the future.
This is typically the time of year when I would set my New Year’s resolutions. Almost every year, I commit to losing weight, doing more yoga, and eating better. Those are just the main goals; I also have a slew of secondary objectives, like meditating more or finally finishing a creative project I’ve been putting off. But this year, I feel hesitant to commit to these goals.
In the past, I haven’t been realistic with myself regarding New Year’s resolutions. I often set a target to lose ten pounds, only to end the year ten pounds heavier due to stress. Or I promise myself I’ll eat healthier, only to find myself reaching for microwave or fast-food meals as the months drag on. The pressure to meet these goals often makes it even harder to achieve them, leaving me feeling awful as time goes by.
A Different Approach to Resolutions
This year, I’m trying something different. I’m making just ONE RESOLUTION. No lengthy lists filled with main goals and secondary ones, all prioritized. Nope, not this year. After the challenges of 2020, I want to keep it simple.
My one resolution this year is this:
Every day, I will do at least one thing that is good for my mental health.
That’s it! Just one good thing for my happiness each day. If I wake up feeling anxious, maybe I’ll do some restorative yoga before starting work. If I’m struggling with motivation, I might put on my headphones and jam out to some Miley Cyrus. And if I’m feeling cooped up? A walk in the sunlight might do the trick.
This may sound overly simplistic, or even like a recipe for disaster. You might say, “Lacey! If you don’t set a goal to work out every day, you’ll become even less healthy!” But here’s the thing: those specific goals weren’t helping me over the past ten years, either. Ironically, I might end up working out more without the stress of meeting a pre-set goal.
Focusing on Mental and Emotional Health
After this challenging year, I am exhausted by the idea of setting unrealistic expectations for myself, only to feel disappointed later. Let’s be honest—when we’re as stressed as we have been this year, meeting any goal becomes nearly impossible. So, I’m prioritizing my mental and emotional health in 2021. Who knows? Maybe focusing on my well-being will help those other past goals finally fall into place.
So, what’s your one good thing for your mental health today?
Conclusion
As we step into a new year, let’s commit to nurturing our mental health above all else. Embrace simplicity, let go of unrealistic expectations, and focus on what truly matters—your happiness and well-being. Here’s to a year without resolutions, filled instead with meaningful, daily actions that enrich our lives.
By shifting our focus from rigid goals to mindful actions, we open ourselves to a more fulfilling year ahead. Join me in this journey toward mental wellness and let’s make 2021 our best year yet!