After 2020’s year of economic, health and social anxiety as a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic, it’s fair to say that most of us entered the new year feeling even more exhausted and depleted than usual. As we continue well into 2021, how can we renew our energy and build our confidence to continue the year on a more positive note? Here are five ideas:
- Feel all the feels
Whether it’s health issues, an uncertain job situation or parenting stress, almost all of us were challenged during 2020, and this took its emotional toll. While it’s important to give yourself the space and time to acknowledge negative feelings, chances are that if you’ve been in “survival mode”, you’ve largely pushed these feelings away. Take the time to reflect on the fear, stress or anxiety that perhaps you hadn’t given yourself permission to actually feel – whether that means shouting into a pillow, having a good cry, or talking things out with a healthcare professional. Whichever way you do it, acknowledging your negative feelings is an important part of processing them and letting them go.
- Take time out
While for many of us, recharging is about socialising with friends and family, it’s now somewhat muted due to restrictions on public gatherings and social engagements. Here’s the plus side to this: you now have more opportunities for downtime that you can use to recharge your own batteries. This could mean getting out for a walk each day, watching a new Netflix series, or reading that book that’s gathering dust on your bookshelf. Even if you’re an extrovert and gain your energy from spending time with others, taking time to relax with your immediate family or a couple of good friends can be hugely helpful in rebalancing yourself.
- Clear the clutter
A tidy house and an uncluttered home is a great way to feel clear headed. Set aside time to sort through the clothes and furniture you no longer need or want, and then sell or donate them to a worthy cause. Do a deep clean of your living space, and do those small repair jobs around the house that you’ve been putting off. Creating order in your physical space will help you create the mental space you need for a calmer mindset overall. Another valuable thing to consider is going for important health screenings to ensure that there’s no underlying health issues that could cause you to feel lethargic and exhausted (some medical aids, like Fedhealth, offer a rich screening benefit to all members).
- Less doing, more being
Our modern world tends to emphasise “doing” rather than “being” – but if the past year has taught us anything, it’s that there is space and beauty in not constantly rushing around. Take the positives from our months of lockdown and give yourself gaps to relax and simply be present in the moment. While modern society tends to think of not doing anything as being lazy, it’s actually a vital part of self-care, and an excellent way to reenergise yourself as you head into the new year.
- Take a digital detox
Scrolling through social media during these Covid times can be a stressful experience if you’re constantly reading statistics, news and opinions on the virus and what’s being done about it. The truth is that continually staying up to date with the latest developments can actually be far more stressful than productive. Consider limiting your daily social media exposure – or even going on a complete digital detox where you delete your social media apps off your phone altogether. Besides reduced anxiety levels, you’ll find you have far more time in the day to relax and spend with family or doing the things you love. Before long, you’ll probably find you’re sleeping better, have less anxiety, and have far more energy available to yourself.
After a very challenging past year, chances are you’re feeling less than positive and lacking in energy. As we continue into 2021, the best gift you can give yourself is a chance to reenergise and refresh yourself as best you can. Although we’ve been through hard times, the pandemic has taught us all many lessons – so now is the time to create the space and energy to face a new year with more wisdom, more calm, and more positivity.
