As we move through 2021, there is no denying that 2020 was kind of a nightmarish year for most people, regardless of their financial status and location. Many people would refer to it as Annus Horribilis.
Let’s put it behind us as quickly as possible and move onward and upward for the rest of 2021 with a positive frame of mind.
The pandemic that hit the world like a bolt from the blue had far more devastating consequences than anybody could have imagined in their wildest dreams! The real death toll from the pandemic is presently not known. Many people lost their jobs and everything from socializing to school and sports changed in unprecedented ways.
The reality is that the killer pandemic just does not give up haunting humanity. Despite the arrival of numerous vaccines and long, drawn-out lockdowns in many countries, it keeps on ravaging the planet. Nevertheless, we have learned a lot about ourselves during the plague, so we can all find ways to make 2021 a better year.
How we can ensure 2021 proves to be a better year than its predecessor
The beginning of 2021 showed promise that the days of misery were coming to an end. The infection rate went down in most places. However, after the first quarter of 2021, the virus has staged a comeback in mutated forms.
This is called the 2nd wave. It is proving to be harder to contain and so governments are imposing lockdowns again. However, don’t let these developments eradicate the positive energy in you. With careful planning and the right mindset, you can ensure that 2021 is a better year. Here we discuss what can be done.
Do not over plan
Sometimes, you end up disappointed because you plan too much and those plans can’t be implemented. Given the way 2020 ended, it is not practical to set up too ambitious plans for this year.
For example, do not plan for throwing a huge birthday bash or anniversary party in 2021. Chances are that owing to restrictions, it can’t be implemented. You should set goals and plans that are logical and can be deployed even with the restrictions in place.
Focus on things you can control
In the prevailing situations, there are many things that are beyond your control. The restrictions that are being imposed by governments, for example, are outside your control.
So it is better that you think of things you can control. For example, you can try to stay as safe as possible and take common-sense precautions like washing your hands. You may also eat and drink a healthy regime with immunity-boosting foods and cooking to stave off the virus.
There are reported risks regarding taking the vaccines in the mainstream media. You will need to do your own research and consult your trusted health professional about the risks involved for you, and whether you are allergic to the contents of the vaccines.
Develop a support network
It is essential that you try to develop a support network. This is not only for getting help in medical emergency situations. The lockdown blues can also affect your mental health in invisible ways.
There are instances of people suffering from “cabin fever,” getting depressed and irritated after staying home locked down for months at a stretch. Interacting with people you relate to and count on can be helpful. Even talking with a friend or close colleague over the phone can help you relieve stress while working from home.
Do not panic
While the pandemic is lingering and the medical community finds it tough to contain the mutating virus, there is no reason to panic anymore. There are people who get panicked when they find out someone in the neighborhood has become infected with the coronavirus.
There is a 99 percent recovery rate reported with the virus. Given the enormous proportion and spread of the pandemic, it is now natural to find that someone in the area has become infected. Losing your calm over it will not do any good. Even if you get infected, stress can only worsen the condition.
Research ways to utilize the situation and turn it around
If staying home locked down for days and weeks makes you frustrated and bored, change your thinking pattern. I know it can be too tempting to sit in front of the computer all day, but there are other avenues to explore.
Try to utilize as much of your spare time to your advantage. This could be a perfect time to develop a new hobby or you can think of polishing your skills.
Catch up on reading, communicating with friends, honing and refining your skills, learning a new language, musical instrument, etc. Enroll in a short-term online course that can be beneficial to your long-term career. Indulging in activities like gardening, painting, or writing. Also, meditation and prayer can help you feel better. The sky is still the limit for 2021.
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