Written in collaboration with Rosana Beechum
Are we all in agreement that the sooner we’re shot of 2020, the better? While the last 365 days haven’t been without their good moments, the majority of the year has left a pretty sour taste in our mouths.
All the more reason to make 2021 as positive as possible then. There might not be a magic switch that makes everything better on January 1st, but at least there are things you can do to make the new year more fulfilling.
Sleep more

Being told to sleep more isn’t something that a lot of people would probably have an issue with. The thing is though, that even if millions of us would love extra time in bed, most of us never actually get it. That’s probably because people tend to be more tired in the mornings when they have to get up and go to work, rather than when they go to bed. It’s worth adjusting your sleep schedule to get the right amount of sleep every night so that your mind is clearer and you generally feel happier.
Switch careers
Starting a new career may seem incredibly daunting, but if work leaves you feeling dissatisfied, a change of scenery could be the perfect cure. Maybe there’s something you’re passionate about but never fully explored because it didn’t seem sensible or you were worried about money. It’s important to follow your dreams, especially after everything that’s happened in 2020.
If you’re interested in exploring a new career, it may be worth getting an internship to help you rack up some relevant work experience. There’s tons of information about this, as well as advice on different job opportunities, qualifications, and benefit schemes at Developing a Student. Changing careers is a big step, so checking through their guides on this may ease your concerns. The linked article in particular contains key information on how to secure an internship and why it’s worth considering.
Go outside more
This is a suggestion that people will probably leap at after the year we’ve had. Obviously, the dangers from 2020 will still be hanging around in the new year. However, it’s perfectly possible to find ways to enjoy the outdoors while still keeping yourself safe. It’s vital that you don’t stay cooped up inside because it’s not good for your health. The combination of walking, exposure to natural sunlight, and simply being in nature can do amazing things for your wellbeing. The more time you spend outside, the likelier you are to be energized and optimistic, which is exactly how you want to be in 2021.
Take an online break
Do you know how many people use social media? Nearly half of the world’s population. These platforms didn’t exist a few decades ago, and now they dominate our everyday lives. While they certainly have their benefits, they can also distract us from reality and really damage our self-worth. If you find yourself slightly addicted to social media, 2021 may be the time to take a step back. You don’t have to delete your accounts and decide to never use the internet again. Just consider reducing your usage and finding ways to create a positive mindset so you can alleviate any of the harm social media might have done. 2020 is a year that most of us would probably like to forget but hopefully, 2021 won’t be quite so depressing. Even if it takes a long time for things to go back to normal, at least there is stuff you can do to try and make the new year more fulfilling.