10 Anti-Resolutions for 2021
An easily achievable to-do list to ease you into the new year.
Usually at this time of year, people are starting new diets, joining the gym and planning trips abroad. But 2020 was no normal year, and 2021 can only get better. This year, it’s time to rethink the traditional New Years’ resolutions and find different ways to make little improvements to our lives. Start small and go easy on yourself. Any positive change you can make is a step in the right direction.
Please note, all recommendations in this article are our own personal opinions. We were not paid to promote any of these apps.
1. Don’t stress about the diet
During the ongoing lockdown, sticking to a strict diet has probably slipped down many people’s list of priorities. If you want to eat healthier but don’t feel like restricting your food choices too much, start with small changes. While ordering a takeaway is a nice way to support your favourite restaurants, try not to make a habit of it. Instead, learn to cook a few new healthy dishes that will not only improve your diet but also help save money. Which leads to our next point…
2. Shift your saving habits
Short-time work and furlough disrupted many people’s financial planning last year. 2021 could be the year to gradually rebuild. Instead of aiming to save a certain amount, you might want to consider making small adjustments to your spending habits. Apps like Monefy and Finanzguru can help you keep track of what you are spending.
3. Work(out) from home
Regular exercise is really important for physical and mental health, especially during a time when the majority of us are stuck indoors most of the time. Even if gyms are still closed, there are many ways to keep fit without leaving the house. Apps like Freeletics offer short, structured workouts that you can do at home, without expensive equipment. If you want a free workout, there are countless workouts available for free on YouTube. Even just leaving the house for a 30 minute walk in the morning or at lunchtime can help keep you active.
4. Pick up a good book
Reading is a great way to kill your lockdown boredom. Ease yourself into the habit: try to read for 30 minutes a day, before bed, during your lunch break or on your commute. If you’re not sure which books to read, Goodreads can give you some inspiration. The free app lets you make lists of books you have read or want to read, and gives you recommendations based on what you like. You can also see what your friends are reading and set a reading target for the year.
5. Rediscover your region
It might still be a little too early to plan a holiday in 2021, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeing something new. Why not try some local sightseeing? Komoot is a highly rated free app that helps you rediscover your local area by showing you walking and cycling routes near you. Whether you’re into cycling, mountain biking, jogging or simply walking, it gives you a chance to get some fresh air and exercise while staying safe during lockdown.
6. Do a digital detox
Video calls have helped us stay connected with friends, family and colleagues. But if staring at your screen is starting to become a pain, try getting in touch with a friend the old-fashioned way. Writing a letter can be a nice personal way to get in touch with a loved one. Another easy way to reduce your screen time is to put your phone away one hour before bedtime. This has been proven to help you get a better sleep too.
7. Expand your musical horizons
Live music was sorely missed in 2020. This year could be the year to discover more music and broaden your taste. While Spotify offers many playlists customised to your taste, last.fm helps you track what you listen to and recommends music you might like.
8. Bring the outdoors in
The chances are you’re spending a lot more time at home right now. Adding some houseplants to your room is a cheap and easy way to help improve the air quality, as well as your mood and productivity. If you aren’t blessed with green fingers, choose low-maintenance plants like spider plants, succulents or peace lilies.
9. Drink more water
Just like houseplants, we humans need regular water. Staying hydrated costs almost nothing and has many health benefits. If you’re one of those people who easily forgets to drink enough during the day, you can buy a refillable water bottle with reminders of when to drink. Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to make your drink even more refreshing.
10. Gain peace of mind
Meditation is an effective way to reduce stress and improve sleep. However, many people aren’t sure where to start with it. You don’t need a guru – just five minutes can make a difference. Try the free trial of Headspace to pick up some beginner's tips.
