Welcome to 2021! Especially after the craziness of 2020, I know we’re all looking forward to the hope a new year brings. Whether you make New Year’s resolutions or not, now is a great time to not only set goals, but achieve them! It’s a new year, and time for a new and improved you! ❤️
Set New Realistic Goals
Making a New Year’s resolution often causes people stress and disappointment in themselves. Set realistic goals that you can accomplish! (And goals that you have time to accomplish). Don’t set yourself up for failure.
Health: a new year is time for a new you!
Eat more veggies. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by a vegan diet; that’s ok! Instead, make it your goal to include more vegetables in your diet.
Cut down on meat and dairy consumption. Again, if you don’t think a fully plant based diet is realistic for you, simply make it your goal to decrease meat and dairy consumption. Or, partake in Meatless Mondays, Tofu Tuesdays, or Veganuary (see below).
Eat better. Cut back on processed food and junk food. Eat more whole, natural foods. You’ll have more energy and overall feel healthier.
Exercise more. Setting an initial goal of exercising 6 times per week may sound overwhelming and unachievable. Start slow and gain momentum. Determine which two days per week are for fitness. Once you start to feel better and have more energy, work your way up to several times per week. Eventually, exercise will become a healthy habit.
Get more sleep. Go to bed an hour earlier; sleep in 30 minutes later. Your body needs time to rest and recharge to be at optimum capacity.
Drink more water. Be conscious of how much water you are drinking. Buy a large reusable water bottle and set a goal of refilling several times throughout the day.
Write down your goals and make conscious efforts to achieve them. But, don’t put so much pressure on yourself. No one is perfect and no one expects you to be. Forgive yourself, give yourself grace, and move on! If it helps, keep a journal or find an accountability partner. You’ve got this! 💃
Get Organized
Organization is key. If I feel disorganized, my whole life feels chaotic. Clutter and disorganization just bring more anxiety and stress.
For me, I couldn’t survive without my checklists. I always joke that my lists have lists. 🙈
Include your goals in your lists and plans. Make a daily and weekly plan, but leave room for flexibility and adaptability. Set your priorities and focus on those.
Live More Sustainably this year
Believe it or not, living sustainably not only helps you, but your family, the planet, the animals, and future generations as well.
Cut down on plastic use, especially single use plastic.
Make a conscious effort to make more environmentally-friendly changes.
Be part of the effort to reduce climate change.
Take Time for Self Care
Self care is not selfish; it’s a necessity!
On your drive home from work or school, turn up the music and sing at the top of your lungs. Listen to that podcast that’s been on your playlist for months. Take deep breaths and decompress.
Give yourself 5 minutes to wash your face and do a skin care routine.
Diffuse essential oils. I find this incredibly relaxing and calming. Peppermint and anything citrus are my favorites.
Get up a little earlier in the morning and do your hair or your makeup or dress up a little nicer than usual. It’s amazing what feeling good about yourself can do for your mood!
Go to bed a little earlier and read a book. (Being on social media doesn’t count!)
Take a deep breath. And take time to relax. Be good to yourself. Take time for you.
Be Grateful
Especially during this time of a pandemic, we need love and connection more than ever before. Even if it is virtually, spend time with your family, FaceTime with your friends, and make time with loved ones a priority. Love deeply and don’t take anything for granted.
Take time to reflect and be thankful. Keep a gratitude journal. As you think about gratefulness in your own life, try to do one thing every day to bring a smile to someone else’s face. Spread joy and positivity. ❤️
Some days are more difficult than others, but try to stay optimistic and focus on the good. Remind yourself of everything you have to be grateful for. Big or small, we all experience blessings in our lives.
And finally…
Veganuary!
Since 2014, Veganuary has seen over 1 million participants in 192 countries around the world. The aim of Veganuary is to raise awareness about veganism, increase participation, and grow the global movement “to change the world for the better.”
Join the movement, and try vegan for a month!
And, if you want to adopt a fully plant based diet or transition to a vegan lifestyle, next week I’ll be sharing with you everything you need to make that happen! In this ultimate guide, I’ll provide simple steps for gradual, weekly changes that will make achieving your goals easier and less overwhelming. So stay tuned! 💚
What are some of your goals for this year? Also, what are some things you would like to see in 2021 from A Case for Plant Based? Let me know in the comments below!
Love your suggestions. Trying new things need to be taken slowly or I get overwhelmed. Since receiving a grateful journal over Christmas I have reflected more than usual. I’m the kind of person who tries my hardest to find even the littlest things to be grateful for. As I write this, in the dead of winter, I heard our neighbors duck quack rather loudly and that little thing brought a smile and joy!
Keep on with your journey and keep your eyes focused on HIM!!
God Bless!
Agreed! Setting realistic goals for yourself and taking it slowly are key. That and a lot of prayer 🙏
Stay positive and keep reflecting–God is good!!