Wellness Wednesday: New Year’s Edition – 12/30/20

WELLNESS AROUND THE WEB

At the beginning of 2020, I read an editorial by my now-boss, Doug Sparks. He went on about our tendency to group things into tens, and that as we approach the not-so-roarin’ 20s, “we need to begin again. There is work to be done.” When it came to work, he was not far off. It’s baffling to try to consider our mindsets back at the turn of this decade. I had so much planned for myself, so much to look forward to, including an internship with this very magazine. Then the pandemic hit, bolstered by a slew of other obstacles that we have endured this year. As we turn to a new year, many of us are propelling ourselves headfirst into 2021 with numerous hopes: for the vaccine to do its job, for normal life, for social gatherings, for less “mask-ne.”

We are all very much looking forward, not backwards at the tumult that was 2020. So this week, we’ve got helpful tips for starting the new year right. From resolutions to safe ways to celebrate, we’re helping you move into 2021 with ease and optimism. It can’t get any worse, right?

Resolutions Made Easy

Each year we make goals for ourselves. Some achievable, some are mere pipe dreams that still might help us discover some newfound passions. Good Housekeeping is helping you set some easy goals by offering over 55 ideas for achievable New Year’s resolutions. Some of my favorites include cooking one new thing each week, creating a cleaning schedule, becoming a plant owner, doing yoga with your partner and turning chaotic zones of your household into calm spaces.

For more timely ideas, InStyle provides ten resolutions that help you move forward while staying mindful of the ongoing global issues. From hiding the “self” view on Zoom to curating your social media feeds and decluttering your household, these quarantine-friendly resolutions are perfect to start right as the new year starts as we await vaccinations.

Having trouble making, and sticking to, your New Year’s resolutions? Harvard Medical School and The New York Times offer a variety of tips to making your resolutions stick until they become a part of your daily routine. Make sure that all the goals you set are for you, and based on societal standards or the opinions of others. If your heart is not truly in it, then it won’t stick!

Oh, What to do?

This holiday season will be no exception to the limits of the coronavirus this year, and as with every other holiday that preceded it, many of us are still trying to figure out ways to safely ring in the new year.

New Year’s Eve may not be rockin’ as it has in years past, but you can still have fun and celebrate with loved ones. This article from Delish offers 11 creative ways to celebrate New Years Eve from the safety and comfort of your own home. Some unique ideas from this that I plan on trying are dressing up, trying new cocktails and having an appetizer cook-off with my family. If you normally celebrate the evening by watching Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special, fret not: it’s still on! More details on how the show will go on this year here.

For the day of, Country Living has provided 15 ideas for starting off the new year right. From organizing your pantry and hosting a movie marathon to going on a road trip or enjoying a hike, there are ideas for either the ones who are content indoors or those itching to escape their house.

Good Reads (& Watches)

Whether you make resolutions or not, everyone should intend on moving into this new year with a positive perspective. If goals aren’t for you, let these stories and videos cheer you up enough to consider bringing some optimism with you into the new year.

Exciting Science – A recent study published Dec. 1 in the online journal eLife found that a new drug called ISRIB has showcased a rapid ability to reverse age-related mental decline. Furthermore, researchers have not yet found any side effects of this drug. Read more here.

New Year, More Words — For motivation, inspiration or simply quick reads to give you hope, this article from Parade.com provides 100 of the best New Year’s quotes.

If you lose track on your new year’s resolution, don’t fret. We’ve all been there. Distract yourself by watching Friends’ Chandler hilariously struggle to maintain his own new years resolution here. And try to be nice to your friends.