21 Things Every Woman Should Make A Habit In 2021

2020 has been a long year for all of us, but it’s finally time to leave it behind and stroll into the new year. Here are 21 habits you should adopt in 2021! 

Drink More Water

This is so simple but it can change everything in 2021. Staying hydrated can help you have more energy, sleep better, and feel more focused. 

Log Off Of Social Media

Choose a time of day or a day of the week that you’re going to fast from social media for the day. Clear your mind and forget about the Twitter fights and Facebook memes. I’m planning to make Sundays the day that I won’t check social media each week in 2021. 

Take Breaks From The News

The news cycle hasn’t exactly been cheerful or uplifting in 2020, and it’s very possible that 2021 won’t be either. Even though it’s important to be plugged in and know what’s going on in the world, that doesn’t mean you have to keep up with the news cycle 24/7. Feel free to turn off notifications in your phone for your news apps, or change the TV channel if you’re feeling down. 

Spend More Time Reading

You will never regret the time you spent reading. Pick up books in your free time this coming year, instead of spending it in front of the TV or on TikTok. 

Write Down and Track Your Goals

There’s no better way to make sure you hit a goal than to track your progress! Whether you’re trying to lose weight, learn a language, read more, spend less, make more money, or anything else, tracking your progress is a sure-fire way to meet your goals.

Use A Planner

If you’ve made it all the way to 2021 without using a planner there’s a 99% chance you’re a witch. Especially if you’re in school, work a full-time job, or have a family, a planner is absolutely necessary! Even more than using a planner though, it’s important to use it properly. Play around with different systems of color-coding, scheduling, to-do list-making, etc. Find what works for you to keep you organized. 

Plan Things To Look Forward To

Psychology studies show that a good majority of our dopamine comes from having something planned that we’re looking forward to. In 2020, millions of people canceled vacations, weddings, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, dinners, etc, so it’s no wonder there was a spike in depression and anxiety. In the coming year, be intentional with planning things that make you happy. Plan a morning cup of coffee with your mom, a FaceTime session with grandma, an evening Bible study with your sister, or a “party” with just the people you live with. Planning these intentional chunks of time into your schedule will boost your dopamine levels in 2021. 

Organize Your Space

I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me feel better than having a tidy, clean work and living space. Whether you’ll be working/learning virtually again this year, or you’re headed back to an office or school, keeping your space tidy and organized will help you to be your best, most productive self. 

Devote Time To A Hobby

Whether you play an instrument, sew, paint, play a sport, or anything else, set aside a certain amount of time for these hobbies. You’ll feel much better after an hour with your guitar than you will after an hour on Twitter. 

Surround Yourself With Encouraging People

While it’s definitely not healthy to simply “cut toxic people out” of your life, spend more time with positive people. Find the people in your life who encourage and uplift you and spend more time around them. 

Spend Time In The Word 

If there’s one thing that can change your year (and life) it’s spending time reading the Bible. Devote just a few minutes a day to reading your Bible and you’re sure to have a good 2021. 

Take Care Of Your Body

Whether this means eating better, spending more time at the gym, getting off the couch more, taking vitamins, or finding a regular sleep schedule, take care of yourself in 2021. Body positivity isn’t just about loving the skin you’re in, it’s also about loving it enough to keep it healthy. Whatever this looks like for you, be intentional with your health this year.

Give Yourself Downtime

Many of us over at FFL identify as “Type A” which means we often suffer from burnout as a result of our hard work and inability to rest. This year, close your laptop a few minutes early, take a stretch break, or devote one day a week to relaxing and unwinding. You don’t have to be constantly at 100 miles per hour. In fact, you’ll probably see your work and productivity improve if you allow yourself to rest.

Spend More Time Outside

2020 quickly turned into a year of indoor time. While we were quarantined, we got used to laying around, watching TV, doing jigsaw puzzles, and playing games with our family. Even if things don’t fully open up this year, find ways to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Go for a hike, head to the lake or pool, or just go sit on your porch and read a book. 

Call Family Members You Don’t See A Lot

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that our loved ones can be taken from us at any time. Many of us haven’t seen grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents in many months. This year, make it a habit to call them a few times a month just to catch them up on your life. They miss you, and they’ll be so happy you called! 

Walk More

Get up off the couch or out of your chair at the office and walk a lap around the block a few times. It’ll help you clear your head AND you’ll get some much-needed sunshine and exercise. Win-win! 

Unplug Before Bed

If you’re trying to fix your sleeping habits, one of the best things you can do is limit your screen time before bed. Start turning your screens off about an hour before bed and opt for a bubble bath or a book instead. 

Stick To A Budget

Spend 2021 getting in the habit of sticking to a consistent budget, and cutting down on  unnecessary expenses. There are tons of apps and websites that can help you figure out the perfect budget for your lifestyle. 

Maintain A Sleep Schedule

One of the best changes I ever made in my life was setting a bedtime for myself and sticking to it. Yes, even on weekends and days off. Better yet, set a wake-up time for yourself as well. Your body will get used to falling asleep and waking up at the same time every day. 

Smile More

There’s real psychology behind “fake it ‘til you make it.” Studies show that smiling, even if it’s forced, can make you feel happier and more positive. 

Spread Positivity

No matter where you go and what you do in 2021, spread positivity everywhere you go. Uplift and encourage your friends, family, and coworkers this year and offer positivity and cheer to everyone you meet. Try to actively think about comments you make throughout the day and spin negatives into positives instead! 

How many of these habits do you already have? Which ones are you going to try to adopt this year?