Welcome, 2021! As we leave one of the most challenging years in history behind us, here are some tips to launch the New Year in a positive direction….
1. Forget about 2020
While we learned many positives in 2020- such as appreciating our time with family and friends, and not taking for granted the liberties we had in a pre-covid world- we still had a very, tough year. We need to start 2021 on a better note, implement healthy activities into our lives, and focus on the positives. I hope this list provides some helpful suggestions….
2. Watch the Queen’s Gambit on Netflix
If you have not already seen this popular, one-season show, it is a MUST and can easily be “binge watched.” Anya Taylor-Joy does an incredible job playing a young orphan who discovers she has a very, special talent…
3. Learn to Say No
Prioritize what is important in your personal and professional life. Understand that it is ok to say no or “I cannot give that my full attention right now.”
4. Plan a Date Night with your Partner
Even if this is enjoying a good movie in your home or “meeting” your partner for a glass of wine in your kitchen, make time for your loved one.
5. Listen More
Not just listen, ACTIVELY listen. What does this mean? Don’t just think about what you’re going to say next or simply wait until the other person is done speaking so you can start. HEAR what the person is saying and infer why it is important to them. One of my favorite books on the subject is “You’re Not Listening” by Kate Murphy.
6. Drink Milk and Take your Vitamin D
It is no secret that calcium and vitamin D go hand in hand. They work together to create stronger bones. Vitamin D also helps boost the immune system and that is certainly helpful as we enter this new year.
7. Schedule Time for Yourself
Since many of us are still working from home, it is easy to get caught up with work outside of standard business hours. Make sure to carve out some time for yourself to decompress… go for a walk, read a book, take a bath, or even meditate! There are terrific apps to help wind down. Check out Calm, Headspace, and Breethe to name just a few.
8. Try a New Recipe
I am a terrible cook but I LOVE to eat. Thankfully, my husband, Chris, is a great chef and really enjoys it! We are trying out one new recipe a week. Make sure to check “Recipes” on Mystical Living for some of the terrific meals he creates!
9. Adopt a Pet
If this is a possibility for you, do it. Pets are therapeutic and a wonderful distraction. We found our incredible breeder through the AKC website and could not be happier with our new “fur baby.”
10. Visit a Local Town
Safely branch out of your comfort zone and check out a local town. Drive around or take a masked walk. Don’t forget Mystic, Ct!
11. Apply Moisturizer EVERY Night (Women AND Men)
Moisturizing prevents aging. Any dermatologist will tell you that you cannot moisturize your skin enough. This goes for you too, men! Check out this skin care regimen which includes Vitamin C serum, Retinol, Eye Cream, and Face Lotion…
12. Try a New Exercise Program
Mix things up! Keep your body and muscles guessing. I enjoy the Beach Body OnDemand Series. I stream to my iPad and have access to many workouts, from yoga to P90x.
13. Learn How to Play Chess
Chris loves to play chess. He finds the game mentally stimulating and has been known to stay up late into the night playing with our close friend, Mark. They truly enjoy this time together (although I usually hear from one of them that the other cheated, lol). Take a look at these chessboards!
14. Read Before Bed
Science has proven that computer and cell phone utilization before bed does not make for a good night’s sleep. Pick up a good book or magazine to relax in bed. I have always been passionate about the subject of sleep and its essentialness to a healthy lifestyle. To hear from the expert, read this incredible book by Matthew Walker “Why We Sleep.”
15. Schedule a Virtual Happy Hour
In place of getting together with friends, schedule Zoom or FaceTime happy hours. We love the game “Catch Phrase” and this can easily be played virtually if all parties have the game.
16. Take a Walk/Run
Make time for any physical exercise. Carve out some time and consistently work this into your schedule. Research shows it takes 21 days to form a habit… I challenge you!
17. Healthy Eating
If there is no junk food in the house, you can’t eat it. Go to the grocery store on a full stomach so you won’t be tempted to buy unhealthy food.
18. No Cell Phones at the Dinner Table
This seems obvious, but we are all guilty of having our cell phones at the table and checking them. It is impossible to be present and actively listening to one another if we are distracted by our phones.
19. Consistent Sleep
Establish a pattern of consistent sleep to ensure ease of achieving sleep and receiving all its benefits.
20. Play Ping Pong
One safe activity my husband and I enjoy is playing ping pong. It’s fun and creates good, healthy competition. For more, read my article “The Perfect Gift for any Spouse (or Couple)!). If you don’t have space for a separate ping pong table, you can turn your dining room table into one!
21. Live a Mystical Life
Do your best to live a Mystical Life. I know exactly what this mean to me and Chris but what does this mean to you? Comment below….
