2020 felt like it lasted for eternity, when COVID-19 creeped in on everyone and took our lives for a change – a substantial one, to be exact. Suddenly, everyone was being extra cautious about catching a cold and not wearing a mask. We started working from the comfort of our homes, hopping on the bandwagon of attending virtual meetings and adapting to the new “normal”. Before we know it, 2020 was over, it felt like a time warp. And all these unprecedented changes taught us valuable lessons.
Lesson 1:
Spend the effort to take care of your health
Heath is wealth, they say. And it’s definitely something not to be taken for granted. As the number of community and imported cases are being reported, no matter how young or old you are, you’re at risk of contracting the virus. We can’t control the virus from choosing its next target, but what we are able to control is building up our immune system so that we are less likely to fall prey as the next victim.
Taking time to work out daily, stretch and work those muscles to keep our body and internal organs active, making healthier food choices and drinking plenty of fluids everyday are some of the things we have adjusted for the sake of better immunity.
Lesson 2:
Being appreciative of what we have
Learning to be content – with our lives, where we are and what we have. Learn to be happy with spending time with people you love, for you may not know when you’ll be stuck in a healthcare facility, looking across the room at your loved ones, only to be separated by distance and layers of protective gear. Learn to appreciate the hard work of our forefathers, who have built a home we can call our own, equipped with possibly the best healthcare facilities when we need them the most. To be thankful of those front liners, working long hour shifts to ensure those in the weak of health are being cared for, risking their health and sacrificing their time with their loved ones for the welfare of others.
Our plans for 2021 are going to be a lot different than what they used to be. Yes, diets and workouts are on the list – but we are focusing a lot more on happiness and peace in our lives. We’re sticking with easy, good-for-us goals to make simple lifestyle tweaks per day, so that we can calm ourselves down, ease our mind and body while organizing all that crazy in our lives.
Resolution 1:
Get out of the house more often
As much as we think it’s safer to stay home to avoid the virus, it doesn’t do our mind and body much good cooped up in the confines of our humble abode. At least twice a week, step out for some fresh air and take in the lush greeneries around your neighbourhood. Take daily evening strolls in the park to unload your troubles and unwind after a long day at work.
Resolution 2:
Self-care is more important than you think
Self-love is true love, but self-care gets you going further. Self-care extends beyond physical health, it’s about your overall well-being, including mental and emotional health. Start by checking in with yourself and evaluate your emotional state, figure out what are your personal needs and take care of them. Addressing personal needs like getting enough sleep, learning to set healthy boundaries, recognizing toxic relationships or simply improving your time management can help you manage and limit the amount of stress in your life daily. Treat yourself to coping strategies like exercise, yoga, meditating over a comforting brew of Monogram tea, or even picking up hobbies that you’ve always wanted to try to peel yourself away from the hustles and bustles of life.
Who knows, you may come up with a wellness routine after realising how all these play a part in reducing unnecessary stress, making you a happier person overall. Instead of simply cruising through life, engage with your good and bad emotions, address them and move forward in a positive and healthier way.
There are many things we can choose to work on and improve for the remaining 11 months ahead, but make a list of intentions that you want to focus on – we certainly hope prioritising your well-being comes first and you will rise above it all to be your best self for yourself.
With love,
LX