4 Ways to Find Your New Normal in 2021

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Me to Me: It’s about time you got yourself together.

Me Also to Me: You’re Not Ready.

And the conversation goes on and on. This year has been tough on truly everyone. In truth, I would guess that every single person on this earth struggled with something that felt impossible in this last year. There have been so many triggers and weights left falling on us during, after, and in the future of this pandemic.

Whether it be a battle with mental health, substance abuse, unemployment, worthlessness, loneliness… the list goes on and on.

To me, 2020 truly felt like an unending battle. A fight to get back to normalcy.

But… what is normal? Is there even a normal anymore?

Unfortunately 2021 feels the same, but now I’ve found myself in a tunnel and I can see a bright light gleaming at the end. I think we all are battling to get ourselves into a brighter, less anxious place this year and that takes time. I'm sure, like me, you're tired.

I’m here to tell you it’s okay to take your time getting there.

Just keep moving forward and taking the best steps for you to be a better you and to find some sense of normalcy.

So, I say again, what is normal? Is there even a normal anymore?

I find myself pondering this backward and forward daily. Every day I struggle to remember what my normal is supposed to be. And, when I finally pinpoint what I think that normalcy should be, I wonder, am I ready to get back to that? Do I want to?

And all of that is, well, exhausting.

I’ve never been one to hide my feelings or emotions. So trust me when I say that this year has tested me in a way unlike any other.

The lack of routine and loneliness killed me in 2020, but then in 2021 I struggle to know if I’m ready to be back into a routine and be more social? It’s so odd. And it’s so not me.

Ask anyone. I am typically a social butterfly and you can’t keep me inside. (Unless I’m spending quality time with Ginger 🦊, my Pomeranian.) But now I find myself battling my anxieties and depression in a whole new light.

I’m writing this blog so I can find a solution. A solution for me and, hopefully, for you too.

Below is my plan. These are my 4 Ways to Find Your New Normal in 2021:

1) Well first, and foremost, it’s okay to go at your own pace.

• No one knows how to deal with the aftermath of a pandemic like we just endured. Literally no one. We’re all troubleshooting to find the best solution for ourselves and it’s okay if that takes time. Just remember to keep going.

2) Build a new daily Routine that works with your new Normal.

• Like I said earlier, who really knows what normal is anymore. Build your new normal. Put together a new routine that works with the new you. I work completely remote now, so unless I plan time outside the house, I technically don’t have to go anywhere. 😂🤦🏼‍♀️ But, that’s no fun. Because of this, I’ve loosely scheduled my weeks out like the below. I made sure to include time for coffee, gym, social outings, date nights, and of course nights to stay in. All of this in addition to time for work and blogging. A good balance to make sure I’m not overwhelming myself, but also not keeping myself from living my life fully.

• Let me tell you, I am so bad at planners, but this year I’ve been trying to be more strict about it. Funny enough, seeing it written out on paper is actually helping calm my nerves and anxieties. You can check out some of my favorite planners below if you’re interested!

3) Make a Real Effort to get back to some of your favorite things.

• Remember to still be safe about it. As it has become more safe to get back to some of your favorite activities, make efforts to get out there even if it does feel a little weird in this new year. Below are some of my favorite things and I hope you too find yourself getting back to them: -Gym or Outdoor Activities -Meeting up with an old friend -Going to the Movies or out to Dinner -Traveling to a new Destination -Beaching! -Shopping! (my favorite)

4) Embrace Positive Change & Challenge yourself to get moving toward a more active, happier, brighter you.

• I know you may fight yourself daily on whatever you want your new normal to be, but don’t be scared of putting yourself back out there.

We are all in this together.

Don’t ever forget that we are all living and dealing with this crazy world in completely different ways. And remember to be kind to each other as we all navigate our new normal, whatever that may be.

Until Next Time,

Jessie