Everyone can agree that 2020 has been one of the worst years ever. We have been battling COVID 19, been locked down two times, and said goodbye to some of our favourite celebrities.
Let’s get real, as soon as the clock strikes midnight on the 1st of January, all of 2020’s problems are not going to just disappear. So let’s start the new year by dishing out some kindness to everyone and yourself.
Check up on how people’s Christmas went – slide into your friend’s DM’s and ask whether they enjoyed their holidays. Some might have had a really good Christmas period and it might make them really happy that they have the opportunity to share that with someone. Other’s may have had a tough period and do not have anyone outside of their bubble to speak to, so be that person. Your questions could mean the difference between them starting the year in a good or bad way. On the contrary, check up on yourself as you may be distracted with everything that has happened over Christmas that you have neglected how you feel.
It’s January, it’s time to study – The festive season was a good one, now it’s time to do yourself a favour and get back on your university work. Those essays are not going to write themselves, that revision is not going to study itself. Be kind to yourself, get those good grades, and feel proud of yourself. A great way to start the year is to feel happy with your own work and it will be a calming, stress-free beginning of 2021.
Follow the Government’s COVID guidelines – The last thing you want is for COVID 19 cases to increase, especially when there is so much hype for the new year. Wear a mask or visor when you can and give people 2 metres of space. Do this for yourself and others, you don’t want to spend January cooped up in your house with Corona, I don’t think anyone else does either.
Try and make everyone you talk to in the day laugh – Laughter makes the body release endorphins, which makes you feel good. There may be someone who is having a really bad day and needs a good laugh. Giving someone that feel-good feeling could make their day do a complete 180, going from bad to good.
Like random people’s photos on social media – Spread some love, scroll through the ‘Explore’ section on Instagram, and like photos that you love. Show a stranger that their voice is being heard and people appreciate their posts. Who knows, a like from a stranger could put a smile on their face.
Give a stranger a compliment – This one is similar to making someone laugh as it would have the same effect. It is all about making people feel better about themselves, making them feel special and one in a million. Or you could challenge yourself and try and give everyone you speak to in a day, or even week, a compliment. You could even try this one on yourself, every time you look at yourself, say something nice to yourself!
Buy food for a homeless person – It has been difficult times for us that have a fortunate life, think how people who may be homeless have coped. Obviously keep your distance, obeying the social distancing rules and also for your own safety. Everyone knows how the phrase goes, “Treat others like you would want to be treated.”
Offer to pay for someone’s shopping – This could be in a coffee shop, at the supermarket or for one of your flatmates. There is nothing more life-saving when you are having a bad day and you realise you haven’t got enough cash to pay for something, then a precious stranger offers to pay for it. That lightness you feel in your heart, you could give that to someone, you could be the reason they walk around with a little smile on their face for the rest of the day. Doing a good deed also makes you feel good and better about yourself.
Bake for people – and I mean a lot of people, not just your flatmates. Baking is a nice sentiment as it shows people you have put some effort into actually making something for them. Maybe this could be the start of a new hobby? Although, when you go to take them around, keep your distance and wear a mask.
Send a care package – Does anyone else remember doing these in primary school? There are many different recipients of care packages, such as children who need toys, families who need food or for children in other countries. It shows how selfless you really are that you will go out your way to donate your own stuff or buy the contents for people you don’t even know.
Channel your creative side and offer to make something – i.e. my Grandma (a weird example, I know) makes handmade cards for her church to sell. It could be at a charity bake sale or go to a competition where earnings go to charity. Like with baking, it shows people that you have put aside some time to make something for them.