From the threat of WWIII one minute to a global pandemic the next, 2020 has been a testing year for us all.
With everything going on around the world, our personal wellbeing can take a sharp nosedive. But as we head into the new year, the here and now gives us more reason than ever to take self-care more seriously.
Read on as we discuss four tips to improve your wellbeing in 2021.
Find positive uses for technology
We’ll bundle our first two tips under one umbrella: how you can use technology to improve your mental wellbeing instead of exacerbating the problem.
From the clutches of social media to endless bad new stories on our smartphone, over-reliance on technology can be responsible for the deterioration of your mental wellbeing.
But technology is nothing to be fearful of — and more often than not it can be a force for good. Here are two ways we believe technology can improve your mental wellbeing in 2021:
Consider wearable wellbeing tech like Hapbee
Sometimes it can be helpful to also have something wearable as a conscious reminder of your progress.
While you may be apprehensive at first, wearable wellbeing devices are a trending topic right now. From fitness trackers to hyper-intelligent smartwatches, the breadth of options is surprisingly varied — and you can easily find something that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle like a snug glove (perhaps the future even holds a tech-savvy mitten that sends you into a poetic trance whenever you hold a pen in hand).
But for now, we’ll focus on just one piece of futuristic tech that is available in 2021: Hapbee
So what’s Hapbee all about? The new wearable devices from Hapbee are electronic headbands that claim to influence your emotions using low-frequency magnetic field technology. And whether you believe in the abilities (and the reviews from PR Newswire) of Hapbee headwear or not, having strong signifiers like this can go a long way to elevating your outlook on the day ahead.
Use wellbeing apps like Headspace
With mental healthcare receiving limited funding from some government bodies, major strides have been found through the use of smartphone apps. These applications are viewed as a vehicle for improving access to mental healthcare, especially when it’s difficult to get signed up to face-to-face consultations.
The uses for such platforms range from sleeping techniques and guided meditation to 24/7 access to clinical expertise as found from online organisations like Togetherall.
But you might be looking for a solution to fit into your life almost perfectly — and for that reason, we’re highlighting Headspace as a top wellness app for 2021.
By using Headspace (or other similar apps) you get access to a number of different wellness techniques, while also being able to incorporate these methods into your busy schedule with step-by-step sessions that start simple and gradually get more involved.
Keep your work routine flexible
If you’ve found it difficult to adapt to working from home over the course of 2020, you’re certainly not alone. And one piece of advice that has stuck with me is to work harder on yourself than you do on your job — and the rest will fall into place.
Okay. Maybe it’s not the perfect saying, especially in this job market, but one way to balance out both worlds is to make the most of flexible working hours.
While working from home it’s easy to let personal obligations fall by the wayside — or vice versa. Yet nowadays many companies have implemented flexible hours to help staff juggle both parts of their life under one roof: so if the option is there, why not take advantage of it?
Whether you’re a working parent needing to look after the youngster or a busy bee on the cusp of burning out, having the ability to leave your desk without worrying about a strict schedule can reduce stress levels and have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
Remember there’s no guilt in taking a break and valuing personal time, so long as you end the day with all your obligations satisfied in a time you’re happy with.
Take time to connect with other people
No matter which way you swing it, the best way to take care of yourself is to spend valuable time with other people. Be it with close friends and family or even the postman, we humans are social creatures who require interaction.
And the coronavirus pandemic has done a fantastic job of stifling this inbuilt instinct throughout 2020. So I don’t know about you, but my first new year’s resolution is to make more of an effort to connect with people in 2021.
Taking time out to socialise, especially with the holiday season approaching, is essential for creating a healthy work-life balance for yourself. Sitting down for a holiday meal or making an effort to contact people that you haven’t had a chance to see this year can work wonders for your mental health.
Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They help build a sense of belonging, boost self-worth, and give personal support in times of need.
But how do you socialise with a pandemic going on? The same way we did last spring, video apps like Zoom and Skype. Take time to give people a call and check-in, it’ll help everyone.
2020 has been a testing year, which only gives you a bigger reason to take a step and look after your wellbeing in 2021.
From turning technology into a force for good to setting time aside for personal time, use these tips as a jumping-off point for selfcare.
