8 tips for health and happiness in 2021
2020-12-17
Can you believe it’s almost 2021?
To be fair, 2020 has been possibly the most stressful year on record for the global population. And we are glad to see the back of it!
But don’t take those 2020 vibes into the New Year! While big, sudden resolutions often fail; setting small, manageable goals is the key to developing healthy, happy habits.
Whether it’s seeing more of those that mean the most to you or changing your eating habits for the better, these are eight effective changes to enact for a happy and healthy 2021.
1. Spend more time in the great outdoors
In Australia, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet - and they are just waiting to be discovered. Next year, make the most of where you live or visit a coastal locale or mountain town you’ve always wanted to see. Escaping the big city and breathing in fresh Aussie air is good for the mind and soul.
2. Make a plan to eat better
Whether you’re jumping into a healthy 2021 meal plan with great gusto or making small changes at first, one of the most popular January resolutions is to eat healthier. Even just resolving to eat a solid breakfast, meet your recommended daily water intake or to eat more fruit and veg - the New Year is the time! Check out our collection of food blogs, full of healthy eating tips and recipes.
3. Cut down on stimulants
Make 2021 the year you cut out those stimulating foods, beverages or habits that are keeping you up at night and that you’ve become a little too reliant on during the pandemic. Soft drinks, coffee, junk food and cigarettes are all common culprits, and can affect your mental health, physical health, sleep schedule and so many other aspects of your life. Even if it’s swapping out a coffee or two for herbal tea in the early days, any positive change is good!
4. Catch up with loved ones
Make time to catch up regularly with friends and family. Good company is important in beating depression and anxiety, and has actually been found to be a key tool in combating many diseases. Whether it’s a mid-week coffee catch-up, a Sunday roast or an after work cocktail, make time for those who fill your life with joy. They deserve it.
5. Get a solid eight hours sleep
Sleep is a vital part of life that shouldn’t be overlooked. Sleeping less than the recommended eight hours a night can result in mental fog, forgetfulness, depression, anxiety, headaches, high blood pressure, obesity… and that’s just the beginning. Being active during the day and sticking to a routine will make sure you’re ready to sleep deeply when bedtime comes. As we said in our third point, cutting off stimulants by a certain time is also pivotal to good sleep. Dim the lights, avoid screens and read before bed to lull you to sleep. You’ll wake up fresh as a bird. If your sleeplessness is chronic, consult a doctor.
6. Adopt a furry friend
Lockdowns in 2020 saw record numbers of shelter pets being adopted across the world. And while we don’t recommend adopting a pet if you don’t have the time to care for it once you are back to your regular schedule, if you do - go for it! Pets are the best company, and are always happy to see you walk through the door. The therapy pets offer has been found to boost mental and physical health, and if you already have a cat or dog (or any other kind) you will know how quickly they become an irreplaceable part of the family.
7. Get active
Experts recommend walking at least 10,000 steps a day to keep you healthy and strong, but why not use the New Year as an excuse to pick up a new favourite form of exercise? Join a spin or yoga class, train for a marathon or invest in a personal trainer. Exercise is paramount to our overall health, and you’ll feel a huge physical and mental shift when you start to challenge yourself. Whether it’s for weight loss, strength or just to shake off a stressful day, once you become active it will become an enjoyable habit that you can’t do without.
8. Live in the moment
Finally, if the last year has taught us anything, it’s to live for the moment. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and sometimes risks pay off. If you find yourself easily stressing out or becoming anxious, learn about mindfulness, see an expert or join a meditation class. Picture a floating river with leaves floating on its surface. Each leaf is a thought, and as it comes to you, let it go past.
From the team at La Española Olive Oil to your family, we wish you a happy and safe New Year!
