2020 is almost over and the time to think about a new year is almost here again. Whenever we look towards a new year we want to make changes to our lives and be more positive.
If you are thinking about different ways you can make a change to your life in 2021 that would bring happiness and positivity your way and you want somewhere to start, we have some ideas for you. Whether it be looking after your body, taking more time to relax at home, or finding a new hobby – here are some changes you can make in 2021.
Set up a meal plan
The first thing you can do once the Christmas season is out of the way is set up a healthy eating plan. Once January comes you will have likely put on a few unwanted pounds and it is only natural to want to lose them as you head into the year. January is a great time to scrap the junk food and start making a better plan for your food. One way to do this is to start prepping your meals for the week in advance. You can meal prep both your lunch and dinner for 4 days and leave it in the fridge for convenience. Here is a healthy lunch recipe to try:
Lunch – lentil and sweet potato salad with grilled chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce
- 1 cucumber
- 16 cherry tomatoes
- 200g feta
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 200g cooked puy lentils
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil plus extra
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp tarragon
- Dice sweet potatoes to small cubes and place on a baking tray. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 220C for 30 minutes.
- In a frying pan heat up some oil. Butterfly and season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and tarragon and place on the frying pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side.
- In a mason jar or tub with a lid – add the oil, vinegar and honey and shake until combined.
- Chop up tomatoes, lettuce and cucumber and place in a bowl. Add lentils, feta, sweet potato and chopped chicken. Drizzle over the dressing and divide into 4 bowls.
Eat fruit and vegetables
It is so important when you are trying to be a healthier individual all round that you eat enough fruit and vegetables every day. 5 portions of one or the other each day is recommended and it will make a massive difference to your health and your happiness too. Your skin will glow, you’ll have more energy, and you’ll have better senses.
Start exercising
One of the best things you can do for yourself if you want to make a change in your life is come up with an exercise routine. It is important to note that you don’t have to go to the gym every day in order to stay healthy and there are plenty of other ways to enjoy your time working out at home. You can pop YouTube on in your living room and find everything from dance classes, Zumba, kickboxing, Pilates, yoga and HIIT. Whatever workouts you want to try you’ll be able to find here and it will make a massive difference to you when trying to stay fit
Adopt a pet
Making a positive change in your life doesn’t always mean changing your habits – it could mean bringing something new into your life. Adopting a pet such as a dog or a cat can be a privilege and if you adopt from an animal rescue charity you’ll be doing so much for the happiness and safety of that animal. You can literally save an animal’s life by bringing them into your home – and your life will change for the better too. Looking after a pet will make you more responsible and it will also be amazing to cuddle up to a furry friend every day on the sofa.
Consider counseling
Changing your life for the better in 2021 might mean your mental health as well as your physical one. If you have been struggling with issues in your life, it is now time to take action and get some help. A counsellor can be a brilliant addition to your life if you need something like Grief Guidance and Help during Death or you are having confidence issues and they can help you understand why you feel this way and how to feel better. A counsellor can be a confidant and they can make a genuinely positive difference to your life.
Go out more
Covid screwed up most of our plans in 2020, and this means when we do come out of the other side it is so important to escape the house and go out. Getting out into the world more in 2021 will feel amazing and you’ll be able to appreciate the small things more. A trip to the park, a browse around the shops or a walk with your loved one will feel so much more special and will be amazing.
Improve your skin care routine
Now is the ideal time to get your skincare routine in order and start to plan your new routine for better skin in 2021 and beyond. Learn about your skin type and start to build a routine that you can carry out twice a day when you wake up and after a shower (or if you shower in the morning before bed). You should never spend more on makeup than you do on skincare and you should consider investing in better skincare this year. A simple routine every day could consist of these steps:
- Cleanse
- Deep cleanse
- Micellar water
- Toner
- Serum
- Moisturiser or oil
Every 2-3 days you should exfoliate your face and apply a face mask once a well to keep those pores clean and free of dirt.
Change your life for the better as the New Year comes in and make a positive change to your life in 2021.
