27 December 2021
2021 has been a year of ups and downs. Let's take a look back at the key takeaways this past year.
As another year draws to a close, a period of introspection and reflection usually ensues. Now into our second year of the pandemic, 2021 has certainly been a rollercoaster ride for us all, with everything – from work to socialising and holiday plans – thrown into a state of flux.
But on the bright side, this past year, in particular, has also been a period of learning and new opportunities as we adapt with the times. Here are some key takeaways so that you can start the new year strong and take 2022 on with gusto.
Be More Mindful And Kinder To Yourself
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had a major impact on both a global and personal scale. And with this new normal has come a renewed focus on self-care and the pursuit of wellness. Mental health, in particular, has increasingly become a topic of discussion among healthcare professionals and society at large.
In recent years, mindfulness has been deemed as the ‘medicine of the moment’ to cope with the stressors of daily life. But how exactly does one be more mindful? To the uninitiated, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment and paying attention to your body, your feelings and your thoughts.
According to experts, practising mindfulness everyday – be it through meditation, journaling, deep breathing exercises or reduced screen time before bed – can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being such as alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep and lowering blood pressure.
Health Is Wealth
Amidst the mask wearing, hand sanitising and social distancing, the precautions we’ve taken this past year have reminded us about the importance of health – and more crucially, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying physically fit and active.
An unforeseen side effect of the pandemic, however, has been physical inactivity, with many of us leading more sedentary, homebound lifestyles as a result of remote working. The World Health Organisation recently reported that globally, one in four adults do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. In addition, stress and the prevalence of convenient online food delivery services may have also contributed to an imbalanced diet and unhealthy eating behaviours – causing increased risk of weight gain and the development of long-term health consequences.
It comes as no surprise that exercise lays a strong foundation towards improving your physical and mental well-being. But if you struggle to find the time, energy or motivation to break unhealthy habits, rest assured that you are not alone.
Breaking out of your workout rut may seem tough but it is achievable. Start slow by incorporating light-to-moderate intensity activities such as walking up the stairs and brisk walking, before working your way up to moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercises such as jogging, swimming and weight-lifting to meet the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity a week. A new set of workout gear such as a fitness smartwatch, portable personal gym and stylish activewear can also be a good source of motivation to maintain a consistent workout routine.
Your Home Is Your Sanctuary
2021 (and the year before that) was the year of staying at home. With social distancing restrictions and remote working, we’ve all had to adjust to spending more time homebound. While that comes with many perks (no commuting or crowds come to mind!), it also has its downsides. Once a place of rest and relaxation, our homes have now been turned into an office, a gym, and even your children’s classroom.
Your home should be more than just a functional space. As we pivot towards a hybrid working arrangement, it is even more crucial that your home is a sanctuary too. First and foremost, create separate spaces for work, play and rest. Resist the temptation to work from your bed or sofa. Instead, carve out a designated work or study area (complete with WFH essentials) for maximum focus and productivity during office hours. When your day comes to a close, it helps to be able to switch off from work mode by leaving your home office and unwinding in a separate space that feels relaxing and welcoming.
Sleep plays a vital role in both your physical and mental health. And it all begins with your bedroom. Creating an oasis of comfort within those four walls of your bedroom will help get you revived and refreshed, both at the beginning of the day and at the end. According to the Sleep Foundation, using electronic devices at night can interfere with your quality of sleep. That’s why sleep experts recommend keeping technology out of the bedroom – unless of course it’s nifty sleep gadgets designed to help you nod off, such as an eye massager, anti-snoring mask or white noise machine to create a restful ambience. Other essentials like a top-of-the-line mattress, soft pillows and quality bed linen can also help to ensure a good night’s rest.
Adjusting to The New Ways of Travelling
For the jet-setters and intrepid explorers among us, the last two years of suspended travel must have been especially hard. Your wings may have been clipped but rejoice: the prospect of holidays awaits, thanks to some relaxation of travel regulations.
Needless to say, the pandemic has changed the way we will travel for the foreseeable future. More than ever, safety has become a heightened concern for all travellers – be it regular testing, mask-wearing, clean and filtered air , or enhanced cleaning measures on airplanes and in hotels. Besides remaining vigilant, those planning their next holiday should also take the necessary precautions with this list of travel essentials for a safe and smooth journey.
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