I don't know about you, but it seems like this year went by in two seconds!

When everything seemed to be getting better, new waves of infections came, then another super long lockdown period and then vaccination and after that, what was left of the year just flew by.

If your routines and habits have all been messed up, don't think it's just you. We're on the same boat!

Exercise routines were ruined, sleep schedules got all messed up and life just seems to have been put on hold for way too long now.

So I don't know about you but I'm definitely feeling the need to get things back in order and focus on moving forward to more fulfilling and exciting times.

If you aren't there yet, let me be your inspiration!

The rapidly approaching end of the year made me feel this urge to clean up my act and get out of this pandemic-induced stagnant life rut.

With that in mind, I made a game plan.

Here are some of the things that I'm doing to get life back on track:

1. Declutter

An end-of-year declutter can really help to get your house and your mind in order just in time for the new year.

For the past week, I've been going through my stuff and trying to get rid of junk or things I don't need anymore and will probably never use but was keeping 'just in case'. 

Well, 'just in case' never came or I noticed that I'd go a different route instead of going to look for these things so I figured I might as well get rid of them.

It's been liberating to see freed up shelves and files and garbage bags full of old school notes that I never read again (if I ever needed anything, I'd just go directly to a book) or cut-up pieces of old arts and crafts paper from when I was 10 years old... Honestly, it's ridiculous the amount of stuff we keep in spite of never using it and the excuses we make not to give it away or throw it out.

It also makes you feel like your life is suddenly way more organized because your things are too. Strangely, looking at a bookcase that is full to the brim with stuff was just starting to stress me out.

So I really advise you to do this as well!

While you're at it, why not rearrange your furniture or even redecorate a little so that your environment feels fresh and to inspire your creativity?

Two birds with one stone, if you ask me!

2. Change up your exercise routine

If you've been wavering on the exercise or if you've completely stopped because you lost all motivation, you are not alone.

But the easiest thing you can do to get back to it is to find new and more fun ways to exercise because the old ones clearly weren't getting you out of bed!

Find new exercising apps, new exercise groups or different exercise clubs or gyms.

I'm currently trying out the Fit On app and I've been really enjoying it (not sponsored). I used the Nike Training Club app last year to work out at home during lockdown and I really liked it at first but then I got tired of some of the trainings but eventually I stopped using it because I got tired of the workouts (the exercises seemed very similar). Which is why I needed something new now.

Besides this, you can always buy a new exercise machine or some classes to try and get moving and do something different. 

You can also just pair up with a friend to go for a jog or a game of padel or something like that to mix things up or make them more fun.

And if you want to intersperse your trainings with something less intense or just start slower, you can always find scenic spots close to you and go on a nice hike and enjoy a breath of fresh air!

3. Schedule your life all over again

Next up: if your life got into a hectic mess and you stopped following all your schedules and routines, go ahead and make a brand new schedule.

Focus on making a schedule that isn't too demanding and that feels fresh and exciting for you to achieve your goals and the habits you want to keep in this new year. 

If you need some help making a realistic schedule and figuring out how to prioritize and divide your time, check out my previous post about designing a more balance life for yourself - it's even got a pretty template of a schedule that you can download for free and it comes with some useful tips as well!

4. Make meal prepping a part of your life

If you don't do this yet, you should really start.

Meal planning and prepping can really simplify your daily life and reduce stress.

There are lots of methods for meal prepping - do some research and pick the one you think will be the best fit for you and your family and pick a day of the week when you'd be able to spend one or two hours prepping food for the week ahead.

Figure out your strategy for meal prepping and to find recipes that you want to make so that it will be easier to plan every week.

I promise you this will make your life so much easier when you get home after work and just want to relax instead of having to cook something last-minute.

5. Make 2022 your year of prosperity and happiness

It's been a crazy couple of years living with this pandemic and it's about time we start getting our life back on track, even if we have to adapt to a new normal.

Be a little selfish if you must. What are some things that bring you joy in life? Make it a point to do more of those. 

Give yourself more time to enjoy the little things - don't you miss having the time to sing in the shower and enjoy that time instead of always rushing to get ready? 

You should also treat yourself every now and again - whatever it is, a self-care routine or even buying something for yourself. If it will improve your life or bring you happiness, then you deserve it!

A big one for me is also getting back into travelling. I miss the freedom and the joy of just escaping real life and exploring another country, the sceneries, other cultures. If you're big on travelling, then let's get back into it this year. 

If you're more of a homely person and you've always wanted to have a pet, why not this year? You will finally be able to enjoy the wonders of animal companionship and benefit from the joy of playing with them and taking care of another living being.

6. Finally make a move towards career happiness

If you're tired of the daily grind and an uninspiring job, then I say this is the year for change.

Enough is enough - this will be the year to reach your full potential and finally find a job or career that will make you happier and more fulfilled.

It's normal to get comfortable and avoid risk or simply the growing pains that come with change but when comfort means you're struggling to get out of bed in the morning and get yourself to work, then it's definitely time to move on.

Update your resumé, freshen up your LinkedIn account, contact some recruiters, take short courses to get fresh skills and get out there! 

Start applying for jobs and looking for your next challenge.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.

7. Ditch self-consciousness and invest in confidence

Last but not least, I think this one is very important after the times we've gone through lately.

Nothing is granted and life is short. Too much time is lost in situations that aren't ideal because of self-consciousness, feeling lesser than or not having the courage to speak up and say no.

In 2022, you should focus on avoiding escape mechanisms and deal with situations head on. 

Square your shoulders, speak your mind and speak loud and clear. Be honest even if you're uncomfortable. 

Confidence brings respect and recognition and it's about time these things were being served to you!

I wish you all a very Happy New Year!