We all had high hopes for 2021, that perhaps it wouldn’t be quite as bad as 2020 was.

Sadly, we’ve been disappointed, with more lockdowns impacting everybody’s lives in countless ways.

But it’s not all bad. Many of us have taken the opportunity to refocus our lives, grown closer with family and friends (despite the social distancing), and done our best to help others out.

So here are a few tips from me for living your best life in 2021:

Tip 1: In circumstances like these, you’d be forgiven for reaching for the snacks. But here’s a tip – make them movement snacks!

For every hour you’re sitting, try to get up to move around a little. Some simple movements like a single-leg balance (eyes open and closed), 50 star-jumps, or 50 push-ups sprinkled throughout your day will surely have you feeling better than the other snack options will.

Tip 2: Take some time to breathe before you hit the pillow at night.

Find somewhere quiet to sit, close your eyes, take a deep breath in while you count to 7, then follow the breath out to a 7-count as well. Doing this five times before bed each night will help you sleep more peacefully and wake feeling more refreshed.

Tip 3: Help another human being.

It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, offering even the tiniest bit of assistance to another will make you feel better and could change their life. So, the next time you see someone else struggling, whether you know them or not, stop and ask if you can help.

Tip 4: Focus on the task at hand and completely involve yourself.

Even seemingly mundane tasks can help mentally transport you to another place. For example, when hanging the washing out, immerse yourself in the feeling of the wet clothes, the weight of them, finding a spot on the line for each item. You can try hard to enjoy every moment for what it is, and you might even come to find the most mundane daily tasks calming.

Tip 5: Take care of your own health and wellbeing before anything or anyone else.

It seems selfish to say, but the fact is you’re no good to anyone, if you’re not taking care of your own health and mental wellbeing. And you have to make an effort to do it too. It can be as simple as getting yourself out of bed, or knocking-off work half an hour early, to go for a walk or bike ride.

Pro tip: leave your phone at home and do your best to disconnect for a little while.