Describe 2020 in One Word...

As the year draws to an end it is natural to reflect on the year that was…

2020 has been a year like no other. It has been tough, uncertain and draining for everyone. I know a lot of us are ready to say, “See ya NEVER!” to the year 2020! But before you do give this year the flick, I urge you to do this little positivity activity first…you’ll thank me for it!

If you had to describe 2020 with one word…my guess is that it would be one with complete negativity! This is totally understandable and warranted for many reasons. BUT what would be productive, kind and compassionate towards your mental wellbeing is to focus on the positives of 2020! In the last weeks of the year, I encourage you and your family to sit down and physically write a list of all the positive experiences you have had this year. It doesn’t have to be a long list, but I’m sure you can jot down a minimum of three positive experiences you have had during 2020.

By flipping from the negative to the positive, you instantly boost your mood and outlook for the day, month or even the year! It’s a great tool to practise regularly so that you don’t stay in a negative headspace when you feel the entire universe, and everybody in it, is against you. Quickly noticing the positives in that negative situation can lift your mood and lighten your mental load in a matter of moments.

I will share some positives experiences below to help inspire your own list of 2020 positivity:

·      Family Time - Spending quality time together as a family definitely occurred for households during lockdown/quarantine. Yes, there can be negatives to this, but remember we are focusing on the POSITIVES! Watching your children learn new skills, use their creativity, having slower morning routines and even just more snuggles because you were together all day.

·      Slowing Down – We are always in a rush, have somewhere to be and things to do! Well 2020 definitely put a stop to events and standard outings. Having that chance to slow down, just be in the moment and not always be thinking about what’s next is such a great relief on your mental health.

·      Perspective – 2020 has definitely shifted everyone’s perspective to be focusing on the actual important things in life. E.g. family, health, having a roof over your head and food to put on the table, etc.

·      Self-Care – With everything that has occurred this year, the awareness to focus on mental health and self-care for ourselves has been quite prominent! We have all found new ways to prioritise looking after ourselves to improve our quality life and so that we can better look after others. Hopefully this is an experience we can continue to take into next year!

When making your list, you can be as detailed as you wish. Notice how you feel after making your list. Do you feel lighter? Happier? Less stressed? Calm? Peaceful? Whatever you feel, just sit with that emotion for a few moments and know that you can find a positive in any negative situation.