After such a challenging and stressful year, many people are ready to say goodbye to 2020 for good. While the new year is typically a time to create a fresh start and assess areas of our lives for change and improvement, making a big New Year’s resolution during these chaotic times could be counterproductive.

Instead, mental health experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center recommend giving yourself a break and taking some time to reset in 2021. Sophie Lazarus, PhD, a clinical psychologist at OSUWMC, suggests these tips to clear your head and move forward with a more positive outlook in the new year:

Shift your perspective – It’s easy to get caught up in what’s wrong in our lives and miss what’s positive or going well. Starting your day by reminding yourself of the good things in your life can help you keep a more balanced outlook in the face of the day’s challenges.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Unplug – Mindless scrolling on social media can increase stress and anxiety. Put the phone and computer aside and take a walk, cook a meal or ask your family about their day.

Be kind to yourself – It’s easy to be overly critical of ourselves right now which only increases stress and makes things worse. Pause to take a deep breath, a bubble bath, a nap, whatever you need that day to help you remember that you’re important too. Just take care of yourself.

<em>Above: Exercising helps Elyse Hanna clear her head and focus on herself. Experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center say, rather than adding more stress to your life with the pressure of a big New Year’s resolution, focus on what makes you happy and give yourself a much-needed break in 2021.

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