How to Reignite Your Spark for 2021
By Sara Butler
2020 was a year that felt like it was a decade long, but it’s all behind us now. There’s a reasonable chance you may be feeling less than inspired. It’s OK -- you’re not alone. Things feel difficult right now but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.
Disney released its new movie Soul on Christmas Day, and it serves as a great reminder for one very simple question: What is your spark? 2020 may have dulled it -- or maybe yours burned out long ago -- but no matter what happened to your spark, it’s time to find something in your life that excites and motivates you so that 2021 can be the best year ever.
Here are a few tips to help you find your spark this year!
Get Back to Basics
If you’re not feeling it and haven’t been for a while, then the first place to look to help reignite your spark is your everyday habits, especially sleeping and eating.
When you’re under stress, everyday habits are the things that tend to go off the rails first. That’s why the idea of self-care is such a hot topic -- taking care of yourself is the first step to reigniting your spark.
Make sure you’re eating three meals per day that are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Snacks aren’t off the menu either, but it’s best to try to move away from highly processed foods in your diet that aren’t good for you or your spark.
You should also aim for a minimum of eight hours of sleep each night. If you’re not getting that, then examine why. Adults can benefit from sleep routines just like children can, so make sure to turn off your electronics at least one hour before bed and use that time to unwind and relax. And keep that room cool and dark when sleeping, too -- you’ll sleep better.
Stay Curious
It’s the little things that can lead to making life feel more fulfilling and interesting, so make sure to stay curious. Read an article about something you want to know more about, try a new activity, cook a recipe totally new to you, or watch a documentary you’ve had your eye on for a while. Pay attention to the things you’re curious about and then act on them. You may be surprised how easy it is to get yourself out of a rut you may be in, or start something new in life, if you simply stay curious.
Be Creative
When people think of being creative, they often imagine playing an instrument, drawing, painting, or a variety of other things, but you can reignite your ignition point in other creative ways. Doing something as simple as tweaking a recipe to make it your own or to suit your tastes, or solving a problem that has stumped you for a while, counts!
Remember, you are creative, you simply must find the proper way to express it for yourself.
Make Connections
Many people aren’t feeling that connected to other people or places right now, but there are some ways to make yourself feel more connected to other people. Smiling at people or listening to your child tell the tale of what they did today can help create a connection. Simply giving your time and attention to people and spreading good energy can make a difference in how you feel. Try each day to think about what you’re grateful for, what good things happened to you today, and what you have to look forward to. These things can help to make you feel more connected to the places and people around you.
Finding your spark isn’t as insurmountable a task as it may seem. It’s a lesson learned in Soul, and you can learn it too.
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