If you’re like anyone else, you’re ecstatic that it’s finally that time of year. After a swirl of emotions, events, and challenges, 2020 has come to an end. So cheers to a new year, and with some help, a new you.

Unluckily, not everything can be left behind in 2020. Social distancing, face masks, political drama, and even school all hopped on the train ride to 2021. However, it is possible to let go of all the stress, bad habits, and disorganization. A few easy alterations to your routine will allow you to live it up in 2021.

Plan With a Purpose
The unpredictableness of each day is what makes life exciting, but sometimes it can get chaotic or overbearing. Investing in a planner gives you the benefit of starting off each week by writing down what you want to accomplish. It’s a good way to emphasize your priorities and keep every thought from running away.

Dust Off the Cobwebs
Oftentimes, the same thing that is taking up space in your mind is what’s taking up space in your room. A clean vicinity gives your brain peace and one less thing to worry about. Start picking up the clothes that piled up on a random chair, putting shoes back in the closet, and reorganize the desk that looks more like a toddler’s play area. Your brain will thank you for it.

A Penny for Your Thoughts
Whether it’s writing out goals or writing out how you feel, start journaling. Talking out your emotions and all of life’s issues might not be something that’s comfortable, but neither is holding them in. Get a journal and write down – or even doodle – every feeling that’s overpowering your brain, and watch how the weight begins to feel a little lighter.

Feed Your Ears
Maybe what you need is a good playlist. Your subconscious internalizes all that you listen to, and music can help boost your mood and overall health. Whether you have to ask a friend for a playlist or search the web until you find the perfect one, make listening to music a part of this year’s routine.

Aware of Your Intake
This year is not the year of negative Nancys or toxic environments. Be aware of what you allow to take up your time. If anything is constantly leaving you feeling drained or exhausted, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from it. The last thing you want to do is continue with what caused you discontentment in 2020.

Preach Optimism
Before you FaceTime your best friend and talk about how terrible your day went, sit back and think about everything that went your way. Your outlook on life influences yourself as well as those around you. It’s easy to look at what’s going left, but it’s important to remind yourself of everything that’s going right. If you ever find yourself looking at the downside of something, remember to focus on the solution and not the problem. This change of perspective will give you more peace and allow you to feel like you have more control of the situation.

Give Yourself a Theme Word
Pick a powerful word that means something to you and stick to it. Preferably one that has to do with how you overcame your toughest obstacle because it will mean more. Remind yourself of this word whenever you feel hopeless or down to tell yourself that you can do it because you’ve done it before. A few examples you may consider are: resilient, champion, focused, loved, persistent, leader, breakthrough, intelligent, and the list goes on.

Take this information and run with it. Run to your happiness and run to a successful, less stressful 2021.