Build on Successes, Add in More Fun in 2021

It hasn't been a normal year and it won't be a normal new year, so why make the same old list of resolutions to stop/start doing X or cut back on Y? This year, whether you're trying to conceive, pregnant, breastfeeding, or parenting a new baby, consider how you can make an impact by building on this year's successes and finding ways to add in more fun.  

Building on Successes

What did you knock out of the park this year? Or at the very least, what did you do that was pretty darned OK? These could be things like:

• Attending all prenatal appointments
• Keeping a journal
• Daily/weekly self care
• Reaching out to friends for support/laughs
• Taking time for you
• Reading
• Caring for your baby
• Taking naps

Whatever the successes were for you -- big or small -- write them down, give yourself a pat on the back, and keep them up in 2021, along with finding ways to build on them if possible and when it makes sense. For example, if you were good about taking time for yourself, how could you make it "great" this year? Perhaps by scheduling a massage, buying a new book, starting a new craft or hobby? Or, if you were good at attending prenatal appointments, how will you continue to focus on your health this year? Do you have your non-pregnancy/birth related health care appointments scheduled? 

Sometimes, continuing the successes is as good as building/improving on them. If that's the case for you, then make a mental note and move on. Few things truly need to be improved, only continued. 

Adding in Fun

"Fun" is one of those things that, as adults, we sometimes scoff at. And yet, all humans are wired for play, no matter the age. Play/fun look different from person to person. If you're not regularly having fun, it may take some time for you to figure out what's fun for you. Start by making a list of the ways you like to play/have fun. It's fine if the items on your list are things you used to do, want to do, or don't know how to do -- add them anyway.

If you struggle to come up with a list, start experimenting. Try a follow-along dance video on YouTube. Bake a cake from scratch. Try hiking. Watch a classic movie. Try anything you can think of that has no inherent purpose or goal other than the potential enjoyment you can get from it. 

As you experiment, you'll learn what things truly feel fun. Find ways to incorporate these fun activities into your daily and weekly life. Even five minutes of fun every day can have an impact on your overall mood and sense of well being! 

Are you making resolutions or setting intentions for 2021? How will it differ this year? Share tips and tricks with our readers!