This was one heck of a year! It is more important than ever to find joy in everyday life. The new year brings its own set of challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a reset, finding ways to stay sane can help you maintain your well-being throughout the year.
If you have been feeling less than thrilled about bringing in the new year, this list is for you! Here are twelve ways to get through tough times!
Practical Ways to Stay Sane
Maintaining your mental health and well-being requires a varied approach. Incorporating various strategies into your routine can help you stay grounded and positive despite the stressors of daily life. Let’s explore some practical ways to stay sane.
Connect with Friends and Family Often
A call, text, email, video chat, etc. Whatever you are comfortable doing, connecting with your friends and family will put some pep in your step. As humans, we crave connection. Take a few minutes and give one of your friends or family members a call to check in on them.
Engage in Online Communities
Joining or starting an online community can provide a sense of belonging and inspiration. Whether your interests lie in sewing, running, yoga, or any other hobby, there’s a group for you. Engaging with like-minded individuals can lead to personal growth and new friendships.
Joining others can lead to inspiration for home projects, personal growth, or maybe just some really great friendships. If you can’t find a group that interests you, start one! Connect with other like-minded people safely and comfortably.
Send Thank You Notes
Have you ever been excited about receiving something from a friend in the mail? You’re not the only one! Take time to send notes of gratitude to loved ones. You can thank them for being in your life, for a special act of kindness they showed, or tell them how much you miss them. It will be much appreciated!
Write Down Personal Goals
Take this time to write down specific personal goals. Write down goals that are measurable and include target dates. For example, “lose weight” should be something more like “Lose 15 pounds by April 1st”. When you’re ambiguous in your goal setting, the results will reflect that.
Follow up your goal with actionable steps that you will take to accomplish this goal. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a close friend or relative to hold you accountable. This will help strengthen your bond and keep you focused.
Exercise Daily
Keeping your body in motion is so important to living a healthy life. Binging on another Netflix series for hours on end is not going to help you shine in the new year.
Get outside. Take a walk. Download a fitness app. Search YouTube for home workouts. With so many virtual options available, there really is no excuse to skip a session. Choose an activity that you genuinely enjoy doing and use this time to try an activity you’ve never done before.
Tackle Financial Goals
Financial stress can really take a toll on you physically and mentally. Use this time to understand your current financial situation and set goals for where you would like to be in the future. Creating a plan can help alleviate anxiety and give you a sense of control.
Learn a New Skill or Hobby
Have you always wanted to learn a new language or play an instrument? There is no time like now! Use your time at home to strengthen a skill or learn a new one. There are so many resources out there that you can easily master something.
Finally Read That Book
Take the time to read a book, or even several if the mood strikes! Reading can be a great escape and a way to stimulate your mind. Choose books on topics that interest you and make time to read regularly. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and expand your knowledge.
Clean Out The Clutter
When was the last time you did a thorough closet overhaul? Take time to declutter closets, pantries, medicine cabinets, kid’s toys, magazines, the garage, and other spaces that need some TLC. It can be such a healing process to rid your home of unnecessary items.
For gently pre-loved items, you can donate them to a local charity or sell them on sites like Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace.
Schedule Family Game Night
If you can’t go out with your family, create excitement in your living room. Gather a few board games and pick a day either weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Plan the snacks ahead of time and put everyone’s mobile phones away.
Take a couple of hours and just enjoy the quality family time. Planning a regular game night will give the family something to look forward to and can bring everyone closer.
Start Listening To A Podcast
There are SO many podcasts just waiting to be listened to! Explore new topics or things you have always been curious about. You never know what you’ll learn.
Speak With A Professional
Sometimes, no matter what we do, we need to reach out for help. Unprecedented times like this create anxiety and uncertainty. It can leave us feeling like we have no control over our future.
Speaking with a therapist or getting direction from a life coach will help you understand your feelings. They can help you create a plan to feel more in control and make recommendations based on your individual needs.
Also, you don’t even need to leave your house to speak with one! There are so many virtual ways of meeting, it’s an easy process. Get back to feeling like you and do it in the comfort of your own home.
Embrace a Supportive Community with Life Purpose Institute
For those looking to enhance their personal growth and professional development, consider joining the Life Purpose Institute. As an ICF-Accredited Coach Training School, we offer Life Coach and Spiritual Coach Certification programs made to provide you with the tools and support needed to thrive.
With small group classes, personalized attention, and ongoing support, Life Purpose Institute is committed to helping you succeed as a life coach. Take the opportunity to connect with a supportive community and gain the skills to make a positive impact on others’ lives while enriching your own.