Last year, the global pandemic has significantly affected us physically, mentally, and emotionally. But this year is a great opportunity to think positively and act passionately, especially now that we are stronger and more resilient to challenges. We never know what will happen next but if we set realistic goals and create a plan, we can achieve something day-by-day and get a fresh start.


Reflect on 2020 to renew your motivation

What were your realizations during this COVID-19 pandemic? Use these insights to create your health and wellness goals from a renewed perspective.

• Realize and focus on what is important to you right now, like spending more time nourishing your well-being.
• Recall the talents and passion that you discovered during the lockdown period. It can be as simple as being well-organized in food planning and preparation for the whole family or being a role model when it comes to staying fit and active.
• Enjoy and appreciate everything around you. Be grateful for all the things that you can do with your loved ones like savoring the joys of a simple life.
• Recognize your weaknesses and then focus on the things that you can improve on to have a better 2021.

Set realistic health and wellness goals

• Look in front of the mirror and visualize yourself in your healthiest state. Then contemplate on the long-term health goals that can help you live life to the fullest. These can be improving your overall immune system, managing current medical issues, and preventing possible health problems. 
• Reflect on the most important wellness outcomes that you want to achieve. Do you want to improve your health status (lower cholesterol, blood pressure, uric acid level, etc.), to improve fitness (endurance, strength, flexibility, and/or body composition), or both? Aim to achieve them as early as next month.
• Set specific and realistic health and fitness goals such as eating at least 2 cups of vegetables, lessening daily sugar and fat consumption, and exercising 3 to 4 times a week for 45 minutes in the next 4 weeks.

Design a wellness game plan

• Since fitness studios might still not be open, it may be better to start or continue to explore online home workouts. Consider working out with an online fitness coach or joining an online group fitness class.
• Explore outdoor workouts like running or walking, and learn to do simple home workouts like bodyweight and strength training that you can perform in case you encounter internet problems.
• Always make healthy food available at home (you can always shop online) and create your simple and healthy meals by checking online food recipes, cooking demos, and joining online health cooking classes.

Discover ways to keep your motivation high

• Get a fitness or wellness coach to help and guide you to start the year right.
• Seek the support of your like-minded friends and involve your family with your wellness journey.
• Nourish your mind by doing simple breathing and meditation techniques at least 5 minutes a day.
• Write down your goals and plans consistently.
  
  

Planning the year can be a lot to take in. You must pace yourself and take it one step at a time. Let’s all learn from last year’s challenges and come out of it stronger and healthier this 2021. Happy New Year!