Are you looking for ways to power up your life in 2021? Try these 25 simple but effective ideas to create your best life! Thrive in the face of adversity and become the best version of YOU.
Do you feel that life lacks a little adventure and magic? The pandemic is still wreaking havoc in our lives and the old normal seems like a distant memory. The things we love doing like travelling, meals out and catching up with friends is sorely missed by many. We will never take simple pleasures for granted again.
Despite the obvious effects of the pandemic, it has allowed time for some of us to take a step back, slow down and reflect on where we are in our lives.
It has given us an opportunity to assess what’s important, what isn’t and also what we would like more of in our lives.
A little bit about my story
My life has been drastically altered and currently in suspended animation.
Since April of 2020 i have pretty much been out of work due to my industry being effected by the extensive restrictions on travel and hospitality. Last summer i was due to work in Switzerland running a chalet then i planned to head to Greece to see a friend. I would also would have been working my 11th ski season in the Alps this winter, a place i have called my second home since 2002.
The future of my industry is uncertain, so I have been taking a step back and looking at all my options along with the skills I have acquired throughout my life. We have to adapt to a changing economy.
I have witnessed first-hand the effects of the pandemic such as people losing their businesses, not able to comfort their loved ones during times of need and the effects on people's mental health. It’s been a tough time for all of us in so many different ways.
Survival of the Fittest
I believe through challenging times we need to adapt to survive.
The fabric of the world has changed and it is has never been more important to try and keep positive and look after our health, wellbeing and livelihoods.
This mindset is the driving force behind my blog. Despite what life throws at us we can find ways to tackle adversity head on and come out of 2021 winning. Let’s do this!
'My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style' — Maya Angelou
IN THIS POST
Staycation Ideas
Travel tips for those that can’t travel!
Health & Wellbeing Tips
Creative Projects & Ideas
Ways to Digital Detox
Goal Setting & Vision Boards
25 Ways To Power Up Your Life in 2021!
1. Get creative
Creativity reduces conditions such as stress and anxiety. It also allows you to enter a happy zone and express yourself in ways you never thought of before. What’s not to like? Pick up a paint brush, draw a friends portrait or maybe try your hand at pottery at a local class.
Sky’s the limit when it comes to getting creative!
2. Step out of your comfort zone
As adults, we tend to become creatures of habit. Break the monotony and try something you have never done before. Really challenge yourself and get that adrenaline pumping! Try roller blading (you’re never too old!) or maybe an outdoor fitness class with a friend.
3. Plan a weekend away
Holidays abroad are off the cards for most people at the moment so a little weekend trip to pastures new will help take your mind off sunnier climates. If you live in the city, head to your nearest country park or if you are already a country bumpkin, head to the bright city lights and enjoy some sight-seeing and a meal out.
There are plenty of fantastic resources to research your Staycation.
Here is a great website with a range of Staycation ideas. Click here to view the 'A Day Out In England' website. 4. Take up a new hobby
When is the last time you started a new hobby? Mine was during the first lockdown and that was this blog! Find out why i started What She Seeks Travel and Photography Blog in my first ever blog post 'The Birth of What She Seeks - Journey into The Blogosphere and How I Got Here'.
Starting a hobby is a great way to take your mind of your worry’s and focus on something positive. Have you ever wanted to learn a new language or maybe take an online course and learn a new skill? There are so many great courses out there covering pretty much any topic you can think of.
Take the plunge and sign up to an online course today. Check out over 100,000 online courses from UDEMY here.
5. Practice gratitude
This one may not seem important but during challenging times it is essential to appreciate what we have in our lives rather than focus on what we don’t. There are many ways to practice gratitude from daily affirmations to journaling.
Read here about how practising gratitude in your life can create a more positive mindset.
6. Eat immune system boosting foods
Stress is a major factor in supressing our immune system. Without a healthy immune system, we are more susceptible to illness and viruses. Eating healthier not only assists in our physical health but also our emotional wellbeing. Take control of some of your unhealthy eating habits and I guarantee you will feel better for it.
Mini tip: Try eating a rainbow of fruit and vegetables in your diet, limiting alcohol and caffeine whilst upping your hydration levels with lots of water. 7. Plan a holiday
Keep the wanderlust alive by planning your holiday (when ever that may be!). Whether it’s a chilled-out beach holiday or cultural city trip, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to do some window shopping for fabulous destinations. Maybe plan a trip you have never done before.
Are you missing travelling or had your holiday cancelled? Read my blog post 'Cancelled Travel Plans? - 5 Creative Ideas to Feed your Wanderlust'.
8. Digital Detox - Disconnect from a connected world
Anyone noticed how the news and social media effects your mood? We have become so attached to the digital world it’s hard to unravel from it at times.
Here are a few quick tips to help you detox from an increasingly digital world.
Turn off your notifications so your phone isn’t a constant distraction.
Set allocated times to check your phone and social media.
Plan a bedtime routine that doesn’t involve checking your phone before you sleep. Pick up a book instead or put some gentle music on and unwind naturally.
Explain to your friends you are doing a digital detox and that you are contactable at certain times
(Remember the days before smart phones when we had to use a phone box?)9. Plan a camping trip in nature
Remember how exciting it was to go camping when you were little? Being in nature helps to re-energise and de-stress. It’s also quite romantic sleeping under the stars don’t you think?
10. Create your own vision board
Some years ago, I created a vision board which was made up of images and affirmations about the life I wanted. It had travel photos on and an image of a staircase in the middle with each of my goals written on each step. The top step was my goal of moving abroad. Make your own vision board and manifest your dream life.
Try setting your goal 5 years from now and work backwards planning each step. This will make your end goal feel less daunting. A vision board is a great way to make a goal feel more achievable and realistic.
11. Connect with an old friend
The recent events have certainly made us cherish our loved ones more than ever. Is there an old friend that you have lost contact with that you miss talking to? Get in touch and rekindle your friendship.
12. Create a photo collage of your holiday memories
Dig out those much-loved holiday snaps and make a collage of your favourite memories. I love Canva for making mine. Try their free 30 day trial here.
13. Live in the moment
It is important to appreciate what you have in this moment and stop wishing your life away. It is a futile exercise. Read about how to live in the moment more here.
We cannot change our past or predict our future. The present moment is all we have.
14. Start a new business project
It’s never too late to start a new venture whether it is a side hustle or simply a hobby. Maybe you are good at upcycling furniture, sewing or have an eye for home design? Take the plunge and set up a Facebook business page for free and invite your friends and family to it. What have you got to lose?
15. Connect with nature
Take a walk in your local park or if you are lucky enough to live near a beach, go for a swim. Nature is a wonderful therapy when we need to break away from the daily grind.
Check out some of my nature captures here
17. Take care of your body
My ultimate list wouldn’t be the same without this one! Exercise is essential for increasing our wellbeing and physical health. I have always used the moto ‘Your health is your wealth’. We only have one body so take care of it and give it what it needs to function properly. A car cannot run without fuel. View your body the same way.
18. Photograph something out of the ordinary
As someone who loves photography, I personally get a lot of joy from photographing my daily life. It has helped me through challenging times.
Try and view your daily chores from a different perspective. Photograph creatively.
Capture your cat sleeping, your children playing or even an interesting building you walk past every day. There is always something beautiful to capture.
I recently found a wonderful photographer who discusses expressive photography. Check out this article from Photography Playground here which discusses ways to be creative with your photos at home.
19. Set realistic goals for the rest of the year
It’s always good to have a plan! We tend to set goals at the beginning of the year but there is no harm in setting smaller, bite size goals to keep focused on a weekly or monthly basis.
Here are some of my goals
Learn more online marketing skills through various courses
Learn more about various shooting modes on my Sony Alpha 6400 camera
Daily check-in-Take 10 to 15 minutes each day to calm my mind and practice gratitude
20. Plan a date night once a week (even if it’s with yourself!)
Break up the week with a special evening with a glass of your favourite vino or dessert and put on a feel-good film. I love Jim Carrey films to cheer me up, especially'Yes Man’. It is a story of a man who decided to get out of his negative mindset and start saying yes to everything. His life becomes transformed but not without some mishaps along the way! It’s a really great film with a positive underlying message.
My Guily Pleasure is salted caramel dark chocolate. What's yours?
21. Learn a new skill
Whether you are thinking of a career change or upgrading your existing skillset, sharpening your toolbox is always a good thing. What have you always wanted to learn but never gotten around to? Why not learn something the complete opposite to what you do in your job.
22. Cook something extraordinary
Are you in a culinary rut? Try cooking a dish from your favourite holiday destination and wow your friends and family. You could even pair it with a local wine and authentic music to really impress!
Check out my Pinterest World Travel Food board for some culinary delights and recipe ideas.
23. Be a local for a day where you live
Plan a day out as a tourist. Try viewing things with a different perspective and visit historic sites or landmark buildings. Visit a local tea-room or café that you have never tried. You could even visit an off the beaten track area and take some really interesting photos like old houses and street graffiti.
24. Declutter your living space
My moto has always been tidy house, tidy mind. Clear out that cluttered cupboard or loft and refresh your living space. Decorate that room you planned on doing last year or make up a bag of unwanted clothes and give to a local charity.
A clear and relaxing living space is essential when the outside world is turbulent.
25. Write a journal / Start a blog!
Finally……… If you have something interesting to talk about then why not set up a blog? Nowadays there is a blog out there for every topic and on things you wouldn’t believe could be written about in great length! I set up a travel and photography blog during a pandemic and travel restrictions but hey….that didn’t stop me.
Have these tips helped you?
Which one resonated with you the most? I would love to hear your comments below or pop me a message on any one of my social media platforms or email me. It would be amazing to hear from you.
Resources!
Action for Happiness is a great site with lot’s of community initiatives and courses. Print this off : 10 Keys To Happier Living: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living
Mindfulness is a technique used to calm the mind and live more in the present. Take a look at this website: https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/
A brilliant article discussing the benefits of a digital detox:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/click-here-happiness/201801/5-ways-do-digital-detox
Volunteer Opportunities in the UK:
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Keep up to date with my news
Like this post? Share it!
PIN IT!
