How have you maintained the good vibes in 2020?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Obviously, 2020 has been a trying year for all of us. I’m sure there were trips planned, vacations we hoped to take, weddings we wanted to attend, graduations, reunions, events, and so on and so forth that we all wanted to do.. but couldn’t. Some of us have even lost loved ones, and even friendships. I hope you still have those things on your bucket list for 2021 and keep that optimistic energy.
I read today on GNN that 3 in 4 people say all the bad news this year has taken its toll for sure on them. 70% of us have tried to do something positive each day. Here are the top ten small/minor things we've done daily to stay focused and on the right path, and some of which I’ve tried myself...
1. Watching a favorite movie or TV show- It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen it a hundred times. I’ve re-watched all of the Rocky Movies and started Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead again this summer! Great memories!
2. Snacking- For me, I wouldn’t just limit it to ‘snacks.’ I’ve been cooking like crazy since March and have been trying new recipes every week. An Instapot and Airfryer have become my best friends. I’ve perfected my recipes for Jerk Chicken, Pork Adobo, Pesto Pasta, and side dishes like Brussel Sprouts, Plantains, and Kale. I CAN’T WAIT until it’s safe to visit the East Coast to see my family so I can show off my NEW cooking skills!
Image by Daniel Reche from Pixabay
3. Going for a walk- I’ve recently moved to a new neighborhood in Boise. I actually moved ONE month into the pandemic. Exploring my new neighborhood has been fun and just getting some fresh air has been super therapeutic.
4. Calling a friend or family- I’ve called old relatives and friends I haven’t talked to in months, and even YEARS these past 9 months. I’ve even done Virtual Happy Hours via Zoom or the app House Party from home with a lot of people and it’s been amazing to catch up with people you care about.
5. Cuddling with a pet- I currently do not have a dog or cat, but have had pets in the past. I’ve been working from home since March. Some of my friends are essential and have to still go to work in person, leaving their pets unattended for hours. I’ve offered some of my friends to watch their pups while they are at work and I’ve been happy working with my new ‘coworkers.’
Image by Jonathan Sautter from Pixabay
6. Taking a nap- This can be considered a new luxury if you are working from home and your bed is just a few feet away.. as opposed to sitting at your desk all day. Take that nap if you are feeling tired! It’s your body telling you to take it easy for a bit.
7. Asking for a hug- If you’re lucky to have someone staying in and quarantining with you during all of this, sometimes a hug and human touch can go a long way.
8. Baking things-- I haven’t hopped on the dessert train yet this year, but definitely have some in my mind I want to attempt during the holidays.
9. Singing- Do it, despite what your neighbors might say! Family karaoke competitions were a staple during our reunions.. especially around the holidays. I’ve just been prepping for the next one.
10. Dancing- I’ve hosted many CLUB VIJAY NIGHTS in my living room and kitchen, party of two. I’ve even recorded a ton of DJ Mixes and uploaded them to my soundcloud if you want a soundtrack for YOUR next kitchen party! Along with this, you could make some Tik Tok dancing videos or sketches to keep busy!
One thing that didn’t make the list was taking a break from social media. I’ve had some friends do this and they say it’s helped them tremendously.
What have YOU done to keep that positive energy in 2020? I’d love to hear your suggestions!