What Intentions Do You Want to Bring Into 2021? Part 2

If you read my last blog post, “What Intentions Do You Want to Bring Into 2021? Part 1” referencing Gwen Moran’s article from Fast Company, “Habits to drop in 2021- and what to do instead” you may be curious about the remaining five intentions. 

Below highlight her remaining key points in her article. I also added some ideas of my own! 

•   Boundaries. For those that have been working completely remote since March of 2020, I have heard very similar concerns regarding not being able to implement work life balance. Some will say just seeing their work computer triggers them to open it and answer that work email, even if it is at 9pm. Whereas before, for those that worked in the office, they were used to leaving work at work. I encourage many clients to try and physically separate their work space from their leisure space. Maybe for some, literally hide your work computer in your closet so that you’re not tempted to continue working throughout all hours of the night.
•   Connect with others. Just because we may not be able to see people as easily as before, does not mean we cannot connect with them over Zoom or FaceTime. I also encourage clients to make ‘active plans’ as opposed to ‘passive plans’. What I mean by ‘active plans’ is to set a time and a date with your friend to catch up over the phone. When doing that, it helps lock in the plan and allows you to look forward to it as well. A few other ideas in Moran’s article about how to connect with others is setting a “cooking night” with your friend via Zoom, and a “presentation night” where each friend in the group shares something new about themselves. Moran’s article also encourages us to get outside each day. Simply just seeing people, even with their masks on, allows us to have connection with others which helps to decrease loneliness. Also, getting some fresh air and vitamin D can also help boost your mood.
•   Make time for your intentions. Give yourself space to seek some discomfort to realize what did and did not work for you in 2020. Maybe this is through journaling, calling a friend, or speaking to a mental health specialist. It is through discomfort, acknowledgement, and acceptance that real authentic meaningful changes can occur in your life.
•   Self-Care. In addition to setting time for your intentions, also set time each day to do something kind for yourself. This can be as simple as ordering your favorite coffee delivery or binge watching your favorite show. If we constantly do things for others whether in our professional life, personal life, or both, we no longer have time for ourselves, which then simply decreases our productivity in other domains in our life.
•   Mind/Body connection time. Find time to connect your mind and body. I often encourage clients to do 20 minutes of cardio 3 times a week because that can boost mood. Also, I encourage them to meditate or do yoga because that can decrease anxiety. Also, simple things such as drink water, monitor your caffeine and alcohol intake, eat your veggies, and get adequate sleep (around 8 hours) each night can help connect your mind and body in a healthy way. Making time for your mind and body to connect is also a very important intention that can help you live the meaningful life you were meant to live!

If you are currently struggling with setting intentions and goals for yourself, it may be a good idea to connect with one of our skilled counselors in Chicago at Symmetry Counseling today. You can contact them at 312-578-9990 to set up an appointment.