How is it already 2022 when I feel like we still haven’t moved past March 2020? Two years passed just like that! We’ve been through multiple lockdowns, binged on TV series, celebrated birthdays on zoom, shifted to working from home, watched our friends/family get married on the screen, and survived so many different things.
However, this has also led us to burnout, caused Great resignation, and left us with anxiety at an all-time high. In addition to these, some of us have had no work-life balance ever since we started working from home (this is a PSA to all the colleagues/bosses who expect us to be on standby almost 24/7).
This year, we’re taking control. Here are 4 ways to make 2022 OUR year:
1) Focus on what you can control
Instead of stressing about the things we have no control over (the pandemic, our fluctuating weight, irresponsibilities of others, current political state of our nation), how about focusing on what we can control? What brings you joy?
One thing I learned in 2021 – to let go of things past my control. I’ve spent so much time and energy planning things and, when people don’t respond, it takes a toll. I end up feeling drained but at what cost? If others can’t take the time to respond, it’s not on me.
2) Set simple goals
New year, new resolutions! What are your goals for this year? The options are endless – Read 50 books, pick up a new language, travel to more local destinations, or try cooking more cuisines at home! Rather than pressuring yourself with the impossible, stick to simple and realistic objectives.
Set some time aside to go through your goals. If your goal is too broad, narrow it into smaller but attainable ones. For example, change “Master the skipping rope in 5 months” to “I will learn the basic skip in two to three weeks”. Celebrate the small victories!
3) Prioritize your mental health
We’ve gone through a lot the past two years. Many of us have suffered from burnout, depression, grief and trauma. Being cooped up at home wasn’t easy, and we found many different ways to cope with it. In a way, it has also forced us to take a good look at the state of our mental health and work on it.
Admitting that you’re struggling to cope isn’t a sign of weakness, it means you are brave enough to seek help. It’s a liferaft that will get you home. Please remember that this isn’t a selfish request because you deserve to come first. Don’t let others guilt you into feeling otherwise.
4) Let hobbies remain hobbies
Although many of us suffered pay cuts or lost our jobs in the past two years, not everything you do needs to generate money. Yes, it’s good to select up some side hustles (I mean, some of these often turn into full-time jobs), but don’t forget to focus on little things that bring you joy.
We have hobbies because we enjoy them and let’s keep it that way. Keep reading books, playing video games, building lego sets, whatever brings you joy.
Stephanie Aeria is a content writer under Headliner by Newswav, a programme where content creators get to tell their unique stories through articles and at the same time monetize their content within the Newswav app.
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