After the deaths of over 350,000 Americans, social isolation, and high unemployment rates, 2020 was an unprecedented year for many.
According to Statista, around 37% of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. More than 24%of adults say the pandemic had a severe impact on their personal finances.
We spoke with some Central Georgia experts to give you some tips on how to maintain a healthy year.
Professional Counselor Heather Prunty and Financial Advisor Sherri Goss both encourage people to stay on top of their mental health and financial well-being in 2021.
Prunty says keep an eye on yourself and how you're feeling.
“Moving forward into this new year, we know we can't change the past, but we can definitely set new goals,” Prunty said.
“Checking in with yourself. How are you doing? Are you eating? Like you should? Are you getting enough rest? Is there exercise? Do you have an outlet where you can talk to someone?,” she said.
She suggests coping with your difficulties from 2020 and reading daily positive affirmations.
“Bring the good memories about either that loved one or the situation. Try their best not to pull up the bad memories or the negative situations,” she said.
Goss says spend your money wisely this year. She says you should separate your wants from needs.
“Evaluate, where did we waste money? Where do we need to make some changes? What are our goals for the year? And how can we reach them?,” Goss said.
“I really like the idea of non-essential spending being shut down, and only spending what you have to spend and putting money aside in savings,” she said.
Prunty and Goss say that goal-setting can go a long way in 2021. Both suggest writing things down in a journal.