Iowans: DON’T Make A New Years Resolution for 2021

2020 has been a tuff year. Obviously, COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic are a large reason why. Since it won't be magically vanishing on January 1 at midnight, we can expect it to dominate the headlines if not for all of 2021, at least for a large amount of the year. As a result, I have advice: Don't make a New Years resolution for 2021. Why? Let me explain.

You already have enough pressure on yourself due to the current pandemic. Why add more? In fact, an expert on the matter Dr. Sophie Lazarus agrees. Dr. Lazarus is a psychologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. In a CNET interview, she encourages readers to not make resolutions because we have already dealt with so many difficulties this year, we don't need to place even more pressure on ourselves.

Here's a few alternatives to resolutions you could try. Aimed at improving mental health, they're worth a shot:

• Spend less time on social media. Facebook can be a pretty toxic place... Maybe it's time to step back.
• Take a break from the news. It's mostly bad news, after all. I'm not saying don't watch/listen to local news -  we all need to know the weather and what's up close to home. But the national news... maybe check in occasionally, but don't watch it obsessively.
• Read more literature. For many, this is already somethin you do. I need to get better at this... Reading novels is a healthy way to boost creativity and escape reality. For those who don't have a lot of time, listen to books with services like Audible.
• Take more naps. I'm no expert on relaxation as I struggle often to find balance. But I do know one thing: Sleep feels really nice.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a happy and safe new year!