What if your New Year’s resolution for 2020 could simply be to be happy?

Every January many of us vow to turn over a new leaf and make a fresh start on doing something new or better in our lives. But New Year’s resolutions are often difficult to sustain and become forgotten as we sink back into our usual patterns of behaviour.

Yet, in most cases, all we need to achieve our goals is a good dose of happiness. When we’re in a positive frame of mind, it’s so much easier to tackle life with energy and optimism. The Lenmed 21-Day Happiness Challenge encourages you to make a positive start to the New Year by starting a habit of happiness.

We challenge you to spend the next 21 days doing one good thing each day for yourself or for someone else. You’ll see that by focusing on one good thing a day for just 21 days, you can create a positive mindset that could sustain you throughout the year ahead.

We’ve created a list of 21 easy things to do that will bring you joy. Some will only require a few minutes out of your day. Others might need 30 minutes or an hour and can be fitted in over a weekend. You could come up with your own list of things to do if you prefer, but whatever you choose to do, make sure it involves making a positive connection with the world around you.

Enjoy. Lenmed wishes you a truly happy and energised New Year!

Day 1: STRETCH

Wake up 20 minutes earlier and do some relaxing stretches before you start your day.

Day 2: BREATHE

Take hourly oxygen breaks (set your alarm so that you don’t forget). Flood your body with oxygen by taking a few deep breaths deep into your diaphragm and finish off with a big yawn.

Day 3: GRATITUDE

Write down 3 things you are deeply grateful for and stick it up where you can see it all day.

Day 4: CONNECT

Phone a friend to find out how he or she is doing.

Day 5: HELP

Do one thing that could help a needy person or organisation in your community.

Day 6: SOAK UP THE SUN

Sit in the sun for 5 minutes with your eyes closed and let vitamin D flood into your body through your eyelids. Warning: Be sure to wear sunscreen outdoors and do not exceed 5 minutes of exposure on your closed eyelids.

Day 7: SAY THANKYOU

Send a thank you message to someone who made you happy last year. Let them know that you remember and why you appreciate them.

Day 8: BE NEIGHBOURLY

Pop over to your neighbours (choose ones you don’t often connect with) and wish them the best for the new year.

Day 9: ORGANISE

Make a to-do list for the month ahead and stick it on your fridge. Aim at finishing one task per day.

Day 10: LISTEN

Spend 10 minutes sitting quietly, perhaps in your garden or a favourite spot, and just listen to your breathing and the sounds around you.

Day 11: CARE

Start a care basket. Whenever you come across something you don’t use or need anymore, put it into the basket. When it’s full, take it to your nearest care centre.

Day 12: COOK

Try a new recipe and surprise your family or friends with a tasty meal.

Day 13: TIME

Switch off the TV, put your phone in another room and spend quality time catching up with your family.

Day 14: MOTIVATE

Search online for a motivational quote that is relevant for you, write it down, and stick it up where you can see it regularly.

Day 15: WALK

Go for a walk outside in nature and take someone with you – like a family member, a friend, or a person who would love some company.

Day 16: COMPLIMENT

Pay compliments as often as you can throughout the day – to the teller at your supermarket, a car guard, your child’s teacher, a colleague, a family member or a client.

Day 17: OBSERVE

Visit an art gallery or a park, choose a painting or a view that you love, and then sit quietly for 10 or 15 minutes and observe all the details.

Day 18: REFLECT

Keep a notepad near you during the day. Every time you notice yourself thinking a negative or angry thought, write it down. Then ask yourself whether you really need this thought in your life.

Day 19: READ

Find a favourite poem, or search for a beautiful poem online, then read it aloud to yourself and think about the meaning of the words.

Day 20: DANCE

Play your favourite songs while you’re doing household chores and dance to the music as you work.

Day 21: CELEBRATE

Buy yourself a beautiful bunch of flowers or a pot plant to celebrate finishing your 21-Day challenge.

The lenmed Group is a world-class chain of Private Hospitals that brings quality healthcare to communities across Southern Africa.

For more information please contact:
Lenmed
Tel: +27 (0) 87 087 0600
Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: Any information contained here is merely a guideline. Always visit your healthcare practitioner for any health-related advice or diagnosis.