Start 2021 Fresh With These 12 New Year’s Resolutions

December 31, 2020 at 11:59 pm – There was a collective sigh of relief around the world that the “lost year” was truly behind us. The end of a year that has been difficult for many due to an out-of-control global pandemic was certainly welcomed.

With vaccinations set to take place early in 2021 in many parts of the world, including Australia, there is hope that we will return to a pre-Covid-19 normal. 2020 has deprived us of many of the things we take for granted, like the outdoors, travel, or simpler pleasures like sipping coffee at the local café. While many of us would like to reset 2020, the new year gives us a much-needed opportunity to reassess, refocus and plan our lives. The post-Covid-19 world may look very different, so this is the perfect opportunity to do what really matters to us, even if that includes hitting dance floors and dancing the night away to a Kylie Minogue song. Disco.

A recent study of New Year’s resolutions by Stockholm University and Linköping University found that approach goals (“I will do something”) have a better success rate than avoidance goals (“I will quit something”). We’ll make your job a lot easier with our list of New Year’s resolutions for 2021—one for each month of the year:

January – Get Ready

There’s a reason more than 12% of new gym members sign contracts this month. The start of a new year is a time when many of us promise to get on Santa’s good deeds list and resolve to improve our health. Gym memberships and attendance have skyrocketed, although statistics show that on average many are down over a 24-week period.

This shouldn’t bother us if we decide that 2021 will be the year we take up sports with a vengeance. Most gyms offer attractive offers to tap into this market, from free classes to trial memberships. It may be worth signing a 6 or 12 month contract. Besides being cost-effective, it can also motivate you to stick to this resolution, which is one of the most unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions in the world.

Sydney’s iconic City Gym, dubbed the “Gay Gym” in the late 1970s, is featured on our cover this month. The gym has always prided itself on being an inclusive space for everyone. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and even provided its premises for rehearsals of many parade floats.

According to owner Billy Jr., City Gym is entering a promising new year in 2021 with a “complete renovation of the entire complex, including a new state-of-the-art cardio room, boxing and function area, luxury locker rooms, and the opening of the new City Gym Eatery.”

February – Advanced training

The pandemic has impacted many careers, with many losing their jobs, being laid off or taking pay cuts. Many Australian universities are recruiting in February and this can be the perfect time to think about upgrading your qualifications and looking for a new career. or obtaining a new degree/certificate. With the economy likely to improve post-COVID-19, a new qualification could be just what your CV needs.

March – Parched

One in four women and one in five men in Australia reported an increase in drinking while at home during COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. Christmas will traditionally be a time when the country has one more drink than it should, with research showing more than a quarter of Australians admit to drinking too much during this period. So this New Year might be a good time to work on The Dry March.

Even if you don’t give up the bottle completely, decide to drink less to join the ranks of Australians who drink less than they did a decade ago. The National Health and Medical Research Council said the ideal number of drinks Australians should consume is around 10 standard drinks per week.

April – Read more

Fall is coming, and it’s time to recharge after the hedonistic summer and Mardi Gras. Binge watching is so 2020. COVID-19 lockdowns have been great business for streaming platforms that have captive audiences literally unable to leave their couches. 2021 could be the year of books and a time to return to the simple pleasures of reading. Head to your local queer bookstore or order online to support businesses struggling to survive. Reading one book a month – make this your New Year’s resolution for this year.

May – Queens of the Desert

The last month of autumn, when winter sets in in Australia, is a good time to make travel plans. When the harsh summer gives way to cool days and nights, this is perhaps the best time to travel to Australia. Head to the beaches, maybe the outback, take a luxury train trip through the Indian Pacific, or load up your campervan with everything you need and stilettos for a 16,000-kilometre road trip around Australia, a la Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

June – healthy eating plan

The middle of the year is a time to look back and see how well you’ve kept your promises so far. Have you broken the 24-week gym curse or finally decided that lifting weights isn’t your thing? Giving up weights shouldn’t stop you from planning a healthy 2021!

Find out what diet is right for you and create a healthy eating plan. Decide whether you want to give up carbs, go vegan, or join intermittent fasting. Eating organic and healthy isn’t that difficult, given the countless meal plans available—some startups even offer prepackaged healthy meals.

July – keep track of your finances

This is the time when you start looking for a tax advisor and calculating the deductions you can take advantage of. Start planning your finances early at the beginning of the financial year. Whether you’re planning to finally get out of debt, save up for a down payment on a home or a new luxury electric car, getting your investments in order should be your top priority this month. Something about the early bird and the worm!

August – volunteer

The winter months are coming to an end and if you have some time to spare, why not sign up to volunteer. Community organizations such as ACON, Thorne Harbor Health, Drummond Street Services, Minus18 and Switchboard rely on volunteers to carry out their work. Volunteering your time is a great way to give back to the community.

September – Decluttering

Channel your inner Mary Kondo and plan your spring cleaning. Declutter not only your home, but also your mind and soul. Make a list and check it twice to see what’s important to you. Ask, as Kondo does, “does that thing on your mantle, in your closet, or that relationship spark joy?” That furniture or garden gnome can be recycled, but think twice before you decide to recycle an old relationship!

October – Self-Care

October 11 National Coming Out Day and also World Mental Health Day. Use this month to check in on your mental health. Reach out! The importance of self-care cannot be overstated. There are many ways to preserve and recharge your mental batteries: consider therapy, take time for yourself, clean up your social media, or set aside time each day to meditate.

November – Hydration and Sleep

These are two simple solutions that can literally improve your physical and mental health! As summer approaches, drinking enough water can do wonders for your body and mind. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, experts say women should drink about 11 cups of water per day, and men about 16 per day. While you’re at it, remember to stay away from sugary concoctions.

Globally, the average adult sleeps about 6.8 hours a night on weekdays. This is far less than the recommended eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation has been shown to cause a number of health problems, including fatigue, lifestyle diseases, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. So feel free to take a nap after lunch!

December – Season of Health

“It’s time to be Merry. The holiday season couldn’t come sooner. Look back at the year and reconsider your goals. Before you go on vacation, get a much-overdue medical examination. And you are ready for the signature New Year! And make a list of New Year’s resolutions for 2022!