I started this blog in the first lockdown of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and my boredom of being stuck at home. As the year comes to an end, I can only hope for a better, healthier and more hopeful new year ahead, however, it is also important to reflect on all of the good things this year brought along too. Looking back, this year has only made me realise that it is so important to surround yourself with people who make you the happiest and to do things that bring you joy. I want to say a big thank you to all of the people who have made my year special despite the circumstances!
As a tradition I always write a list of resolutions on New Year's Eve (and almost never stick to any of them...) and 2021 is no exception. Thanks to a lot of time to myself this year (thanks Covid) I have been able to come up with a few realistic ones that will help me to have a healthier and happier 2021.
1. Have confidence in myself!
I find that around this time of year there is a lot of pressure to eat and look a certain way especially looking toward the fresh start of a New Year, and, throughout the years, I also have been conscious of this. Although, for me, this year, it is more important to appreciate my body the way it is without worrying about whatever it may be: weight, stretch marks or cellulite. Life is way more fun when you don't bother yourself about how many pounds you are or how many calories you're consuming! The only thing that matters is that you live a healthy and balanced life and that you ENJOY living it inside your own body!
2. Call my parents more often
At University I am often distracted by work or socialisation so it always seems as if I have so much on my plate, however, this year, I am going to make it a goal to set aside an hour or so to call my parents at least once a week to catch up with them! I know they'll appreciate this one! They love a catch up, especially when they're both trapped in tier 4!
3. Get up earlier, to seize the day
For some reason I find it so hard to wake up before 9 at University, (probably because I'm often exhausted) but I used to be such a morning person! I would love to be able to get into the routine again, of getting up at 7am everyday, to be able to have a nice relaxing breakfast or even to catch up with some Uni work before my lectures start. I know this will also help with going to bed at a good time too as, by 10pm, my bed will probably be calling me!
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Toward the end of 2020 I have definitely started to take care of my body more, eating healthy foods and exercising at least 3 times a week. I would love to be able to get into the habit of this and keep up this health kick! (With the exception of a few glasses of wine of course!) As mentioned before, I have found this helps with my confidence, but also makes me feel more energetic and ready for the day!
5. Make time for friendships as well as relationships
When I'm in a relationship I often find it hard to balance spending time with friends as well! (I'm sure everyone struggles with this). My mam once told me, 'friends are around way longer than a boy' and I have realised that, this year, I have such a great group of girls around me that always support me and make me happy, so I would love to have more opportunities to show them how much I appreciate them! Also, who doesn't love a girl's day?
6. Stay on top of Uni work and try to do wider research on top of readings set
I want to maintain getting good grades at University, seen as I'm in my Second year now. As well as this I would love to read more widely about my modules and try to gain in depth knowledge of each of them, I feel like this would definitely help me to retrieve a higher grade, plus help me develop understanding and further interest.
7. Feel free to say no to things! Take some time for myself
This, for me, is maybe the most important one. It is important to listen to myself and if I feel tired, or anxious or just in need of some alone time, take it! And not to feel guilty about saying no! After doing so, I often feel a whole lot better.
So, whatever you are willing for the New Year to bring, be kind to yourself. 2020 has been a hard year for us all, maybe the best thing that's happened to you this year is simply just getting through it!
I will raise a glass (a very large one) for every one of you reading this blog and wish you all a Happy 2021! (It can't be worse than 2020 after all!!)
:)) xxx