New year, new goals.  Just like the turn of every year before, 2021 comes with promises of a fresh start.

It is reported that about half of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but only about 10% follow through with them.  Instead of holding yourself to stringent resolutions this year, why not set simple goals each week or month instead?  There is no better time that 2021 to try to focus on our own self-care.  Perhaps at the beginning of each month, we could try a new method of improving our own health and well-being.  Here are some great ideas to achieve health and happiness now and throughout the year.

Phone a Friend

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that the world can become a lonely place without personal contact with family and friends.  Perhaps we also learned about making positive use of our time at home.  One great way to do that, is to log off social media, and use your phone to actually make a call.  Choose a friend or family member each week, and surprise them with a phone call or video chat.  Now, more than ever, we must work to maintain our connection with those we love, especially those we have not seen in a long time.  Having a short call can boost your spirits, as well as those of the person you connect with.

Receive by Giving

Live by the creed, “It is better to give than to receive.”  If you have never offered your time volunteering in your community, give it a try!  You might find that 2020 has put local volunteer efforts in the negative.  Not only can you help further a local cause, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded folks, who you would have otherwise not met.  Some great ways to contribute your time can be helping or hosting a food drive, or visiting your local animal shelter.  You can even offer remote help to non-profits in your area if you cannot be there in person.

Keep a Journal

One great way to keep track of your well-being is by documenting your feelings and experiences daily.  Take 10 minutes at the end of the day to write down how you are feeling, what you did to feel productive, goals you achieved, or even fell short of.  Not only will this keep a running notation on all of the positivity in your life, it will also help keep you focused on achieving personal goals.  Perhaps you want to clean out a closet next week.  Log your progress as you go, and keep yourself accountable until the project is complete.  At the end of 2021, you might be surprised how much you achieved, and you will have written record of all of it!

Maintain Healthier Habits Overall

You do not have to walk 10,000 steps a day to feel accomplished.  Make small changes in your life, which have an overall healthy effect.  Maybe this means cutting out unnecessary screen time each day, or reading a book you have been meaning to.  Perhaps it means consuming less sugar and unhealthy foods, or even quitting smoking.  If you are like many Americans, this could mean getting more sleep.  The ripple effect of small changes in your day-to-day can result in a tidal wave of healthier, happier feelings.

Tend to Your Health

If you are one of those people, who often skips yearly physicals, or recommended doctor visits, make 2021 the year that you end the trend.  Seeing a doctor regularly to keep check on your health is an essential part of maintaining it.  Even if you feel great, take time to make those doctor appointments you have put off for the last few years.

Be healthier and happier in 2021.

One way to maintain your health, as well as that of your family and pets, is with Central Mass mosquito control.  Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on the planet.  That’s not an exaggeration – it’s a fact!  Keep your home safer this year by employing a reputable mosquito control company.  Effective mosquito control should begin in the springtime, and end in the late fall.  The best way to avoid mosquito bites and the harmful diseases they carry is by at-home mosquito control and personal mosquito protection when you are away from home.