2020 has definitely been a year of stress, changes and “new normals”. This year challenged many of us in ways that we could not have imagined. For some of us, we began working remotely and learning how to balance this new environment. For others, the forced isolation just increased our anxiety and depression.

Let’s be honest for a moment: Life is challenging and difficult without a pandemic. Typically, we would have things to look forward to (whether it is a holiday, seeing friends, going to see live music or even just going to your favorite restaurant or cafe) that would break up adult-ing and allows us a chance to relax. Bring in a pandemic and those little pockets of fun and adventure are now taken away.

As we come to the end of the year, can we reflect on how this year has changed us and highlight new (healthy) coping strategies we have learned along the way that can keep us going into the beginning of 2021.

I think it is safe to say that for most, 2020 brought about a shift to slowing things down. When everything shuts down for weeks (or longer), it is difficult to keep up with our non-stop schedules and appointments. It allowed some of us the ability to breathe. It may have given us the chance to refocus where we want to put our energy and how we want to spend our time.

We live in a technology era, which allows us the option to stay connect with friends and family remotely. It provided some with the ability to continue working and attending school remotely. But what this also brought was computer screen fatigue. As we try to find our personal balance with this fatigue, we may have learned to be more assertive with our time and energy. Perhaps we decided to pick up an old hobby, such as reading or incorporating yoga into our daily routines.

All of these highlight some of the positives that may have come out of the pandemic. But what about those of us who still struggle and haven’t been able to find balance? Depression and anxiety are not friends of the pandemic and we are struggling.

Winter brings dark and grey days that are filled with de-motivating weather. I understand the struggle and know things are hard. I understand the guilt that you can create because you aren’t doing more. I can relate to the pressure that you may put on yourselves because you see other people creating side-hustles and “thriving”. I want to try and focus on small attainable goals that may help to create a bit of balance and self-love.  I wish to present you with a running list of collaborated insights into ways we may be able to fuel our bodies and minds:

(1) Stay hydrated– This seems like a no-brainer, but it can be so easy to overlook. Drinking plenty of water is key! My go-to answer for everything is “drink more water”; you don’t feel well, drink more water; you have a headache, drink more water; you can’t focus, try drinking some more water.

(2) Practice pausing– Whether using mindfulness or taking deep breaths, taking a moment to pause can help center you back to the present moment when stress and anxiety are high. This is especially important with giving yourself (and your eyes) a break from the screen.

 (3) Prioritize sleep– Hold your sleep time sacred as an important part of your self-care. Your sleep is a critical part of restoring your mind and body, and recharging for the next day.

 (4) Support system– Be someones support and rely on others to be supportive of you. We are all going through these days in our own way, but our relationships should be a safe and comfort. Ask for emotional support when you need it.

 (5) Try a gratitude journal– This might seem difficult, as life may be very challenging right now. However, keeping a journal with daily items you are grateful for could be more beneficial than you think. Research shows that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Identifying what you are grateful for helps us feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve our health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Finally, for an added bonus: when speaking with my dear friend Corey (from North Carolina), his advice was “if you have to wear a mask, at least make it fun!” He suggested decorating it and making it a statement piece; treat it like a piece of jewelry!

When we try to reclaim little pockets of hope and joy in our lives, we may be surprised at the results. I think we all have experience different ways to survive this year, feel free to share below some of your ideas.