The year 2020 has certainly been a year that has focussed on health hasn’t it? Sadly, this focus has been for all the wrong reasons i.e. we have a pandemic that has caused death, havoc and sadness across the world.
But we can focus on our health in a good way, and if we do, we can kick start the new year by making positive steps towards better health in the future.
In my first two posts about Lessons for 2021 I encouraged you to reflect on 2020 and to be resourceful and positive in the new year. I would encourage you to be both positive and resourceful when it comes to a focus on health too. My reflections about my health during 2020 have given me a lot and I will share this here in Lesson # 3.
Lesson # 3 Focus on Your Health
During 2020 I focussed a great deal on exercise. This is mainly because I was home a lot but also because my usual daily exercise practices had been disrupted, i.e. the pool closed and I couldn’t swim and the yoga studio closed! This was the key issue for me earlier this year – swimming 4 days a week and yoga on Fridays have been my regular activities for 10 years! I went into panic mode because I acknowledge that I am totally addicted to swimming!
So what did I do to keep moving and keep healthy i.e. to replace the swimming?
- We maintained our regular walking routine i.e. walking every evening.
- I added a morning walk to replace the swim.
- Instead of just doing yoga on Friday mornings, I practiced every day online.
- I started doing weights session – twice a week.
The break in swimming also caused problems with my sinuses and breathing. So I used Essential Oils to help with that. I used Essential Oils to cleanse the air in the house, I inhaled with Oils and also used them to help me sleep.
I was concerned that no swimming might mean weight gain. So, I made sure we had a range of foods available to us all year and had the occasional treat.
I also made sure I kept my mind busy as I volunteered to make face masks etc. Keeping busy was good medicine for the brain!
Kick-starting 2021
So how will I use this to kick start 2021? I will no doubt continue the daily yoga and use of Essential Oils. I am swimming 4 days a week again and walking daily but I am more open to new exercise challenges too. I think the key to 2021 and keeping a positive focus on health is to be more flexible about life and its challenges. Swimming is not the be-all and end-all. I can adapt and keep moving in a range of ways just like I had to do this year.
Staying agile and flexible in both mind and body, are my goals for 2021 and I am ready for what the year throws at me!
What can you do to Kick Start your 2021?
What do you need to work on in your life to be more healthy? Is it mind or body or both? Be positive, be flexible, set some goals and ask those around you to help you achieve those goals. Also remember to be resourceful! You might still find yourself in lockdown or some kind of isolation. Use your own resources and those of your family and friends to help solve your health issues e.g. call someone for a chat, make your own household gym with household items or just go for a walk (if you can). You will be surprised how much you can do for yourself if you use your imagination!
We wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy 2021!
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Until next time,
Gillian (and Andrew)
