8 tips for a joyful New Year

2021 has certainly come with its challenges. While it can be easy to focus on the negative, the truth is that we always have a choice, in any given situation. That means it’s up to you whether you’ll focus on the bad and let that bring you down. Or if you’ll make the most out of life in whatever way you can. Years like 2021 test our ability to do this, which is why we’ve compiled 8 tips for a joyful New Year in this Pacific Prime China article.

1. Do things that bring you joy

As adults, many of us focus on doing things for an end result. But one way to bring that childlike joy back into your life is to do something you enjoy just because it is pleasurable. Explore your natural passions through hobbies that make you feel happy and fulfilled. There are so many creative activities that you can try, from gardening and cooking to dancing and making jewelry. Just keep experimenting and delight in the process.

2. Reassess your priorities

How do you spend most of your time? If we don’t examine where our hours go, it can be easy for them to be swept away with tasks that we don’t enjoy or that drain us – leaving us feeling depleted and less than happy. Make 2022 the year that you reclaim your time and spend it on activities that support the life you want to live and the person you want to be. In other words, prioritize what is important to you starting now.

3. Practice gratitude

Gratitude helps you acknowledge the good things in your life. Think about and jot down what you are grateful for on a daily basis. For example, you can write three things you’re grateful for every morning when you wake up or before you go to bed.

This habit creates a beautiful time for reflecting and appreciating all that you are blessed with, no matter how big or small. If you don’t know where to start, “I’m grateful that I’m practicing self-gratitude in the New Year” can get the ball rolling.

4. Stay in the present moment

When we’re on autopilot, our thoughts can take us to the past, the future, and back again. That’s why the key to finding joy in the small things is to be in the moment. Now, this is often easier said than done, so be easy on yourself and try to do it for just a few minutes here and there. Over time, you’ll find yourself catching your thoughts as they rewind or fast forward. That awareness helps you bring them back to the here and now.

5. Laugh every day

Laughing releases endorphins, aka feel-good chemicals. Aside from helping you feel great, laughing every day has many health benefits. It increases blood flow, reduces stress, and strengthens your immune system.

Laughing also burns as many calories as walking, so there’s your cardio sorted! Don’t know what to laugh about? Put on your favorite sitcom, watch some standup comedy, browse the internet, pick up a joke book at the library, or call your funny friend.

6. Spend time in nature

Nature is medicine. Being immersed in the great outdoors does wonders for your mental, physical, and brain health. While you’re breathing in the fresh air and taking in natural surroundings, you also feel more relaxed and happier. Spending at least two hours a week in nature is good for your health and wellbeing. Whether that’s in one go or in shorter stints throughout the week is up to you. Since walking for half an hour each day is good for your health, perhaps you can combine the two.

7. Share your appreciation

This time of year reminds us to express our New Year wishes for loved ones. We should also remember to express our appreciation for others at any given moment. Not only does it make others feel good, but you’ll also feel good. Think about the people who touch your life and whether you’ve ever let them know that they do. You can write a letter, send an email, or take them out for lunch. However you choose to do it, prepare to feel warm and fuzzy afterward.

8. Develop and maintain connections

If you’ve got a good friend or two, you’ll know just how much friendships can add joy to your life. Maintain these connections by sharing a meal, going for a walk, or doing anything else you both like on a regular basis. New friendships make life more joyful too so don’t be shy to put yourself out there if it’s safe to do so. On top of that, you might want to consider reconnecting with old friends or family members if you drifted apart.

Give yourself the gift of health with Pacific Prime China

One of the best things about prioritizing joy in the New Year is that it will have a direct impact on your health. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past couple of years, it’s that our health is essential.

Whether you’re looking for individual health insurance plans, family health insurance plans, or anything in between, Pacific Prime China is here to help. We compare plans from the top health insurance companies in China based on your needs and budget so you can make an informed decision. Contact us for impartial insurance advice or a free quote today!

Disclaimer: Pacific Prime China solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.