Words by Chanelle Goddard
As 2021 (finally) rolls around, we detail the small changes you can make for a big difference in the new year.
With the festivities of Christmas and the struggles of 2020 (hopefully) over, the new year has arrived – which, of course, means the time for customary resolutions. As well as the usual commitments to working out more, eating clean or even learning a new language, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a set of realistic resolutions you should consider trying out to start your 2021 off with a bang.
Cook a new dish every week
We’ve all been there. Browsing on your phone and suddenly you just happen to end up on Uber Eats or Deliveroo – it’s an easy trap to fall into. This year, instead of ordering a takeaway, maybe try looking online for tasty recipes to spice up your week. Cooking new dishes doesn’t have to be hard; there are hundreds of recipes for beginners all over the internet. The BBC Good Food website, in particular, has a whole section dedicated to easy and delicious recipes for you to try at home (and for all types of different cuisines). So, maybe give this resolution a try at least once a week in the new year.
Explore a new hobby
Due to the current social climate, it’s looking like we’ll be spending (even) more time in the house this year. Although frustrating, this is the perfect time to throw yourself into a new hobby. Whether that’s finally following your interest in painting or even trying out a new cool instrument, hobbies are a great way for us to spend our free time in a fun and productive way. Who knows – by the end of 2021, you could be the 21st century Picasso or even the new Merry Berry (fingers crossed!).
Build a budget plan for the year
Having a solid budget plan in place is very handy. Often, we just work with a mental image that gives us a rough idea of the money we spend, and the money we (try to) save. But having a real plan in place, one that’s actually displayed on a spreadsheet or even simply written down on a piece of paper, makes you more likely to stick to it – plus, it looks much nicer. This 2021, why not switch it up and create a plan that organises your finances throughout the year based on your incomings and outgoings. If you have no idea how to make one, there are great informative YouTube videos out there, by creators such as Patricia Bright, that break down the budgeting plan process step by step for beginners.
Rearrange or redecorate your space
Making sure you have a nice environment to both relax and work in is essential. Our bedrooms, for example, are a place we spend a lot of time in – it’s basically our little sanctuary. Making sure you take the time to invest in your space and make it as nice as possible will make a big difference in your day-to-day life. Sometimes you just need a change, and maybe 2021 is your time to finally implement it. There are affordable and sleek home decor websites out there like IKEA, Dunelm and Matalan that can supply you with all your aesthetically-pleasing home decor needs.
Keep a journal
Starting a journal that documents the highs, lows and achievements of 2021 will be a great thing to look back on when the year is done. Journaling at the end of every day (or even week) is a great way to express your building thoughts and get them all down on paper, as both a release and something for future you to look back on. Journaling is becoming more and more popular as years go by, and it’s time for you to join the wave too – I mean, someone’s got to document this crazy pandemic. Amazon has an endless collection of quality notebooks that would be perfect for starting your journaling journey.