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What We Faced In 2020 –

Happy New Year everyone! I know 2020 was a challenging and difficult time with unexpected changes and challenges in our lives. Usually, we have goals and dreams we want to attain and look forward to making the new year better than the last.

So much for that idea, once we realized a dangerous virus was creating havoc throughout the world and would alter our lives the whole year. Here are some of the happenings during 2020:

• COVID-19 came to the US from China and Europe in January.
• The first cases were in Washington, in a convalescent home.
• It started spreading quickly and some states were put under stay-at-home orders except to shop for essential needs.
• We were always a country that did not wear masks before this pandemic, and now we were told we need to stay within 6 ft of people and wear masks.
• Businesses were also told to shutdown. The economy was tanking, the market was going through uncertainty. Many people are working from home now, when possible.
• Schools closed and so kids were doing remote learning from home, but problems developed over time. Eventually, people agreed kids needed to be back in a classroom environment, if we could find a safe way to do it, with the virus out of control.
• Depression, anxiety, and mental health problems rose.
• The cases did start to go down and states opened up businesses quicker than they should have to keep the virus under control. By summer the cases were growing again, but people were starting to feel cabin fever and felt their freedoms were being infringed upon.
• As time went on, protests erupted due to racial injustice and everything started to be politicized and our country and our world became more divided. States were accused of fraudulent elections, our government seemed to have given up on the virus and focus on their own political gain.
• Many people have died due to a lack of government guidance and people not adhering to the guidelines the CDC presented.
• There was so much misinformation that people were confused about who to listen to. Was this virus real, should they or should they not wear masks and social distance? COVID fatigue took over as people wanted to be with their families and get back to a normal way of life.

What Has Changed At the Beginning of 2021 –

Here we are in 2021 and COVID is getting worse with hospitals above capacity. How do we see the positives in the new year? Vaccines are available now, but it has been a slow process. We don’t seem to be moving forward quickly.

That is why my tips will be a little different than they were last year. Many things will need to be done in a different way until we can find our way back to some sense of normalcy.

I feel this year we need to focus more on eating healthier and exercising, self-care, paying off debt, find remote jobs since I don’t think an office atmosphere will be safe until at least 70 or 75 % of people are vaccinated, per the scientists and medical opinions, and setting personal goals.

I think we need to look at our goals differently in order to attain them during a pandemic, as we don’t know how long it will be around.

• First off, you need to review the previous year and see where you saw progress and where you failed to accomplish a goal.

• You can use this in the new year to inspire you to reach your goals and keep you accountable. As you accomplish a goal you can check it off your list and feel more inspired to move on to the next goal.

• Write these down along with your new goals. Writing your goals or resolutions down has proven to give you a better chance to get to the finish line.

• Just remember to WRITE down all you want to accomplish for the year, along with a plan to get you there. and when you see things are moving backward instead of forward, review your plan and make changes if needed to get you moving ahead.

Tips On How To Eat Healthier And Exercise Safely –

Many of us are on lockdown now and can only shop for essentials. Gyms are closed, and other means of activity are harder to find or do without worrying about getting the virus, so you need to find easy and creative ways to eat and stay active.

• Find healthy recipes online or in your cookbooks and make a list of the ingredients you will need.
• To avoid the crowds, visit the store when it first opens and create a list to get you in and out in a timely manner. Use apps for coupons and discounts and creating your list.
• Now that you are spending more time at home, find a day or weekend, and cook several meals that you can freeze in airtight containers. Be sure and date all containers.
• By doing this you will be reducing your trips to the grocery store.
• Also, purchase healthy items and snacks you can stock your cupboards with.
• You can also order online and have groceries delivered, without contact.
• If your family eats meat, be sure and stock up your freezer and rewrap to prevent freezer burn, and date.
• You can even freeze fresh fruit. Google proper ways to freeze certain items, so you won’t have to dispose of anything.
• Not only will this make your life in the kitchen easier, but you will also save money. The less time you spend in the stores and plan meals will help you maintain a healthy diet and keep you on a budget.

I will be teaching a FREE 5-day online nutrition course with a fellow blogger, Shellie Lynn, who is a certified health coach, at the beginning of 2021, and will go into more detail on the link below – https://manyfacetsoflife.com/free-5-day-email-crash-course/ You can register early on the link above or at the bottom of this post. That way we will know where to email the course when it is launched. This will be a great way to start the new year!

Many Facets Of Life is a participant in the Fyt Personal Training Affiliate Program.  An affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to findyourtrainer.com

Here are some tips on creating a healthy lifestyle:

• Be sure and write down what changes you want to make.
• Make a list of foods you have found to be healthy and go shopping for these foods.
• Find foods with vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy. (We go over this in our course)
• Throw out the unhealthy food from the refrigerator and cupboards
• Find healthy recipes and download a meal planner or create your own, and fill it in weekly or monthly.
• Keep a daily journal on your progress on how much weight you are losing, your daily exercise routine, and any other positive changes you are seeing.
• Find what type of exercise program you want to start and contact your doctor before you begin a program. They can also guide you on what might be best for you depending on your health and age. Suggestions: Yoga, walking, running, join a gym, look up exercise classes, find an exercise buddy.
• Find out what supplements they might suggest when needed
• Drink lots of water

Exercise Tips –

If you want to check out what a virtual personal trainer can do for you, click on the link above to check out Fyt Personal Training, an affiliate of mine.

Yes, where and how you exercise might be a challenge. COVID has created feelings of isolation, and many mental health problems. Exercise is a powerful tool for easing depression, anxiety, and stress. It can change your mood and give you more control over your uncertainty.

• If you aren’t under a stay-at-home order, you can still go for walks, but wear a mask and social distance the recommended 6 feet apart.
• If you have to stay at home, look for exercise routines on TV and YouTube or purchase videos of the types of exercise you have done before the pandemic, or try something new.
• Create a home workout area, with the equipment you will need, including comfortable clothing and a mat. There is a wide range of equipment you can purchase to make it fun and give you a great workout. Several I have on my podcast are Hydrow, Peloton, and Mirror. Click to see more details.
• To stay on a budget go to websites where you can buy used equipment.
• Create a daily workout plan to help you stay motivated. If you can get family members that live with you involved, that can help. You can also incorporate walking outside with your inside activities.
• Mix your routine up and also try something new.
• You can find several friends or family members who would be willing to come together on Zoom to exercise or share new exercises or routines. This way you are also socializing in a safe way.
• Have your kids exercise with you. It is a great way to keep them entertained and doing a healthy activity.
• Drink lots of water.
• If you have a swimming pool, swim laps as part of your daily routine.
• I understand weather can be a problem in pursuing outdoor activities, so research plenty of indoor activities that you might enjoy.
• If you are feeling signs of anxiety or depression, be sure and talk with someone who is a professional who can guide you in ways to deal with what you are feeling. You are not alone!

Self-Care –

Be sure and take time for YOURSELF! You will feel better about yourself, be more productive, and a better mom and wife if you take the time to pamper yourself!

Fill out a monthly calendar with pampering sessions, lunch with a friend, exercise with a friend, etc. Women tend to take care of others instead of themselves, so treat this calendar as an appointment with yourself and make sure you keep the appointment! Here are some suggestions for self-care:

• Take a bubble bath with candles
• Get a massage
• Listen to music
• Read a book
• Watch a movie
• Take a walk
• Work in the garden
• Find a hobby you enjoy
• Do a crossword puzzle
• Drive to a new place
• Meditate
• Do yoga
• Read poetry and inspiring quotes
• Join a Bible study group
• Get plenty of sleep
• Take a bike ride
• Walk the dog
• Take a dance class
• Have lunch with a friend
• Join a book club
• Call a friend

These are some self-care practices to think about, and you can add whatever you find of interest. Be open to trying something new.

Saving More and Spending Less –

Saving money takes discipline and you will need to write down an attainable plan.

• Start smaller as you can add more once you feel comfortable with what you are saving.
• Have an emergency savings fund that will be enough to cover your finances for 4 to 6 months, or go above that with what you are comfortable with.
• Start a 401K at your job if you haven’t already. Companies vary on what they will match and can be up to around 6% of the employee’s pay. Do NOT touch this until you retire if possible.
• If you are retiring, rollover your 401K into a traditional IRA.
• Try to have at least $100,000 when you retire, as you might need to cover huge medical expenses.
• Try not to use credit cards, and save up for large items and pay cash.
• Save for home repair expenses that arise.
• Look for sales and search when is the best time to purchase certain products and get the best deal
• Shop on eBay, OfferUp, Marketplace, and similar sites for good deals. I have used all three of these to sell items with great success.
• You can save money by bringing your own lunch to work, instead of going out for lunch.
• Do meal planning.
• Limit eating out for dinner.

Pay Off Debt –

The first thing you want to do is create a budget and stick to it!

• Pay extra on your car payment when you can.
• In those months where you have 3 pay periods, take that extra check and make an extra payment on your mortgage principal. You will be surprised by how quickly you can pay off the loan when you are consistent in doing this.
• Write down all your bills and payments and see what money you might have extra after you deposit in your savings plans, and pay extra on the lower bills first to see progress. If concerned about interest rates, apply more on the higher bills first.
• Don’t use your credit cards.
• Take advantage of zero or low balance transfers.
• If you receive a bonus put that towards your debt.
• Sell on eBay, OfferUp and Marketplace, or other sites you might like. Use that money to pay your debt.
• Change your spending habits.

Working In An Office Or Remotely During COVID-19 –

With the virus out of control and spiking even more since the holidays, people are still asked to work from home when possible. It is taking longer than thought to get the vaccines in people’s arms, so opening up the economy could be delayed even longer than predicted. Here are tips on finding work and safety measures:

• If you were working in an office environment, see if your position can be done remotely. My son works for the State and has been working remotely since he started in June.
• Overall it has gone smoothly, but technology has had glitches throughout the country slowing progress down. Just something everyone has learned to deal with.
• If you were laid off and need a job, go to sites like Indeed, Linkedin, Robert Half, and CareerBuilder. You can find full-time and part-time positions, that offer both in-office and working remotely. You can create and or upload your resume so employers can find you and possibly offer you a position. I have seen many jobs posted daily. Apply on as many as you can.
• If you are still working in an office, be sure to follow CDC guidelines such as social distancing 6ft. or more, wear a mask, and wash your hands and clean your work area several times a day. Ask about your ventilation system to see if it has been updated since the virus arrived.
• Try to be patient and use the internet to find ways to get employed and get you back on track again in 2021. You have to put in the time and energy to find the opportunities out there.

SMART Goals –

SMART goals can help push you towards success and attaining the accomplishments and goals you are working towards.

• SPECIFIC – Know your specific goals.
• MEASURABLE – Where you can see progress in reaching and measuring your goal.
• ACHIEVABLE – Set challenging achievable goals.
• RELEVANT & REALISTIC – Set goals you can actually accomplish. Consider obstacles you might have to overcome.
• TIMELY – Set a time frame to start and finish your goal.

Consider the time in your schedule you will need to be devoted to the tasks in order to meet your goal. Being committed to the process is imperative to the development of a successful action plan. With the SMART plan, you will become more aware of choices that will lead to your success and confidence, as you watch your goals unfold in your life. Do you have SMART goals?

Additional Tips – Express your goals with words in a positive manner. Set objective performance goals by using verbs that can be observed and measured. Prioritize tasks focusing on important choices and activities that are connected to your goals. You may have to eliminate or delegate less important tasks in order to pursue your goal.

“Plant seeds every single day that you know who you are, you know what you’re about, and you know what goals you’ve set for yourself.” —Steph Curry, athlete

In Conclusion –

To stay on track you must change your bad habits and become more disciplined. This means creating a plan to follow by writing it down and adhering to the plan. You can also create vision boards. Be willing to make sacrifices and work with your family as a team moving toward a common goal.

Remember to pamper yourself regularly to relieve stress and have a more positive attitude. Don’t give up on your goals! Persevere, take a step back when you aren’t seeing progress and re-evaluate your plan and make changes to get positive results in attaining your goals.

I am not a medical provider or a financial advisor. The tips in this post are from my own experiences or advice I was given along the way. Be sure and check with your doctor or medical provider before starting an exercise program or changing your eating habits completely. Check with your financial advisor and tax consultant when making big financial decisions.

Have a happy and successful new year and see you soon! Denise

If you enjoyed this post and found it to be useful information, please share it with family and friends and on social media.

Here is another post you might enjoy – Living Through A Virus And Learning A New Normal

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Follow the CDC guidelines on how to stay safe and healthy. Wash your hands regularly, wear a mask, and social distance of at least 6 feet.

Help is out there – National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Posts may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and collect a small commission at no cost to you. This helps my blog to keep going. Thank you! For more info, read my disclosure policy.