We know that 2020 was a hard year for everyone. As we near the end of this year, we challenge you to think about how you can make the best of a new year!
What New Year’s resolutions are you making for 2021? How are they different now that you’ve experienced a global pandemic? Here are some ideas to get you started on your resolutions for the new year.
Tips for 2021 New Year’s resolutions
Get support for your mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic, stay-at-home orders, the election, social-distancing, police brutality, mask wearing, isolation, working and schooling from home, protests and riots—a lot has happened in 2020 that could take a toll on your own mental health and you child’s mental health.
The experts at Children’s Minnesota offer all kinds of resources for parents to help their children cope with this past year.
Get support for your child’s mental, behavioral and emotional health.
Quit vaping
This year has been stressful, and when we’re stressed we try and find an outlet. Many kids, teens and adults turned to vaping as that outlet. But the new year is the perfect time to quit vaping.
Children’s Minnesota is here to partner with parents and teens, to help you understand the negative effects of vaping and to support prevention. As one of the first health care systems to warn about vaping, we have seen firsthand what vaping can do to your body.
Have more fun with your kids, get outside
Being active keeps your mind and your body healthy. But you may wonder: How can I keep my kids active during winter? The good news is, Minnesotans never shy away from getting outdoors—even during winter! With snow in the forecast, these activities can help with your overall wellness. From playing in the snow to sledding to skiing or snowboarding, there are plenty of fun ways to keep your whole family active.
Learn more about how to stay safe and be active this winter.
Get tips for parenting during a pandemic
Many families—parents included—are having trouble coping with the changes COVID-19 has brought on. In order to be the best parent you can be, you have to take care of yourself. Here’s what we recommend:
- Practice self-care.
- Create a routine.
- Try new activities.
- Ask for help.
Learn more about our tips to help parents cope with changes during the pandemic.
Remind yourself to breathe while masking up
Before COVID-19, we were not used to wearing masks (unless required for our profession). But now when we leave our homes, we check to make sure we have our: Keys, wallet, phone, mask. Masking has become an essential part of our days when we go outside our homes.
Julie Christiansen, physical therapy assistant at Children’s Minnesota, provides you with breathing tips and mindfulness while wearing a mask.
All of us here at Children’s Minnesota are wishing you a happy and healthy 2021!