It is almost the end of 2020 and what a strange year it has been for us all. Who\u2019d of thought a global pandemic would mean that our entire year would be spent locked inside with drastic reduction in holidays and social occasions. These are the sorts of things we live for, spending time with friends and family, holidays away, treating the kids etc. but instead we have had a whole year without our usual routines and interactions and in some very unfortunate scenarios many have experienced unexpected bereavements.<\/p>\n
With all that has gone on in 2020 it can be hard to remain positive in the moment, let alone looking to the future. With 2021 just around the corner it is good to help yourself to remain positive and look forward to what the year ahead can bring, whatever that may be. Many of us hope we are over the worst of it and with approvals of vaccines it is looking more likely that this is the case each day.<\/p>\n
Although it\u2019s been a tough one for us all, try to find some positivity from the past year. Did you manage to spend less money because you weren\u2019t going out as much? Were you able to spend more time at home with loved ones? Were you able to spend more time focusing on yourself? What have you learnt from your experience in the past year, perhaps to appreciate the luxuries and what\u2019s on your doorstep? As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining, you just need to find yours whatever it may be.<\/p>\n
Look forward to and savour the moment when you\u2019re able to do something you haven\u2019t been able to do for so long, hug a family member, have a family get together, or go to the pub. This is just an example of a few things that could change going into 2021. It may not be the case, who knows that the New Year might bring but at least many of us have got over the initial shock of lockdown now allowing us to take things in our stride.<\/p>\n
Manage the influences in your life to help feed your positivity. You won\u2019t be able to completely avoid negativity, but you can pinpoint sources of it such as TV\/Social media and limit the amount of time you spend absorbing it. This will help you maintain a level of positivity by reducing unnecessary concern.<\/p>\n
Much like getting off to a good start when starting your day, try to do the same with your year. Set yourself some goals to achieve in the New Year, or little things you would like to do more or less of. Don\u2019t over burden yourself with too many, or unrealistic resolutions, but think of the little things you would like to do more of in the new year – perhaps 2020 has highlighted a couple for you. Maybe checking in with friends more, or try to bring more positivity to others. Not only does helping others make you feel better and more positive, but by working on yourself you will feel like you\u2019re progressing in areas you wouldn\u2019t have normally considered.<\/p>\n
Looking after your general wellbeing often has a positive effect on your state of mind as it reduces stresses and anxieties, it can also make you feel more positive. Making sure you get enough sleep, have a healthy diet and exercising whether that\u2019s mind, body or both will help you feel more positive when dealing with difficult situations or prolonged periods of time. Taking this with you into 2021 will help you feel good about things making you better equipped to deal with stresses that come your way.<\/p>\n
If you would like to view the Webinar on \u2018Keeping positive for the year ahead\u2019 please use the following link \u00a0\u2013<\/p>\n
https:\/\/attendee.gotowebinar.com\/register\/1053849321093692173<\/a><\/p>\n If you feel you may need some support, you can contact Care first. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It is almost the end of 2020 and what a strange year it has been for us all. Who\u2019d of thought a global pandemic would mean that our entire year would be spent locked inside with drastic reduction in holidays … Continue reading