Honestly, last year was one that we'll look back on with mixed emotions or maybe hope to forget entirely. This year, we're all hoping to have a fresh start with less stress. If you're like me and this includes you, keep reading for three ways you can keep calm and carry on!

Meditate

Maybe the first thing that comes to mind is sitting barefoot in front of a waterfall, surrounded by crystals and candles. If that's your thing, go for it! If not, no worries. Meditation can involve pulling out a yoga mat and sitting in silence for an hour or as simple as inhaling and exhaling. Whether you've been meditating for years or just decided to give it a shot, there are amazing resources to help you along the way.

Unplug

We can't be the only ones scrolling on the Internet every 20 minutes. Of course, we all want to stay aware of what's going on at any given point in the day, but it's also important to recognize when that awareness reaches a harmful point. If you find that picking up your phone and checking Twitter is the first thing you do in the morning, then try to give yourself a little time before reaching for your phone to fully wake up ahead of starting your day. Trust us; the news will still be there after breakfast!

A wonderful morning activity is affirmations! With all of the ups and downs we're experiencing, it's nice to start the day with a little kindness and a boost of positivity.

On the other hand, maybe you're more of a night owl. You can't sleep until you've checked your emails, and then it turns into scrolling Instagram, and suddenly it's 2 AM. Try putting on your favorite song and journaling for 10 minutes, and you may find resting a bit easier once you've put all those racing thoughts down on paper. Whether you want to journal, color, or watch a movie, remember to take some time away from social media! Even logging out for an hour can do wonders in reducing stress.

Connect

This might sound a little crazy after just saying to log out of social media but hear us out! Send your best friend a text. Write those pen pal letters you've always wanted to send. Pull up a Zoom window and have a Netflix watch party. A connection can come in so many ways, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of them. Even in this time of distancing, it's still possible to feel like your friends are right there with you!

Mental welllness