Finding Balance and Beating the “New Year Blues”
The holidays are always a whirlwind of activity every year. But once “Auld Lang Syne” is sung and the confetti is swept away, it can be easy to fall into the trap of looking at a full 12 months’ worth of time stretching out ahead of us, and think, “Okay…NOW what?”
No worries, because we’re here to help. The “New Year Blues” don’t necessarily have to be a thing — not even when we’re still waiting for our numbers to come up in the immunization lottery.
Here are some great ways to find your inner calm in 2021.
Chase the Sunset
There’s just something about the incredible colors of the sunset that have a way of soothing the soul. Maybe we’re a little spoiled here in San Diego — home of some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world — but watching the day slip below the horizon always imparts an undeniable sense of peace here. If you’re visiting us in San Diego, our sister hotel Humphreys Half Moon Inn has published a fantastic guide on where to find San Diego’s best sunset spots. But no matter where you are in the world, taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature is always a great way to bring a little balance.
Challenge Yourself to a New Hobby
We all have those things we plan to do once we “get around to it.” Even so, it’s easy to procrastinate. This year, resolve to tackle those need-to-do items. Maybe it’s a home improvement project you’ve been putting off. Now’s a great time to get started! Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument. Hit up those post-holiday sales and snag a guitar or electric piano. Keep promising yourself you’ll learn to knit, bake, sew, or craft? There’s no time like the present. And there’s never been a better time to take up surfing! Staying occupied with a fresh undertaking is a great way to keep moving forward.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Let’s face facts: Far too many of us have been pretty cooped up this year. “Sheltering in place” has slowly transformed from a best practice to a lifestyle choice. It’s certainly understandable given the circumstances. That said, the freshest air and most open distances can always be found in the out-of-doors. So why not bundle up and have a hike? Or, if weather permits, grab the tacklebox and head out fishing? Those of us in warmer climes always love a good bike trek or picnic in the park. So make it a point to get out, fill your lungs with fresh air, and experience some of the best things to do in San Diego in January.
Pamper Yourself
“2020 was a stressful year” may wind up being the understatement of the century. As such, a lot of us are still dealing with lingering tension left over from last year. A little stress relief is most certainly in order. Even better, there are just as many ways to accomplish this as there are people who are experiencing it. Sometimes it’s as simple as a glass of wine and a good book. Perhaps a spa day full of massages, skin care, and other treatments would do the trick. A lot of people are also experiencing great results from emerging practices, such as float therapy. Or, it could be as simple as relaxing poolside with a drink. No matter what tames your tension, try to make time for it in ‘21.
Vacation Your Blues Away
Speaking of relieving stress, there are few better ways to do so than with a change of scenery. Looking at the same four walls all through quarantine would be enough to make anyone a little stir-crazy. So why not give yourself a different perspective? Take a trip to that special corner of the country — or even the globe — that you’ve always wanted to visit. We’d of course be remiss if we didn’t float San Diego as our favorite option, given our famously mild weather, endless beaches, incredible attractions, and abundance of natural beauty. If you do decide to make San Diego your 2021 vacation destination, the entire team at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina looks forward to being your hosts as you enjoy your adventure.
