In one of my earlier blogs, I mentioned this year I am focusing on bettering myself and becoming the best version of me yet. After all the uncontrollable ups and downs we’ve been through the past year or so, I decided this is the year I am going to take control of my life in the the best ways I can.

One way I’ve been doing this is starting to do more mindful activities than just watching TV or playing on my phone during my free time. Lately I’ve been wanting to get into reading more, so when I got a Kindle for Christmas, I was excited. I’ve always liked reading before bed because it makes me tired and helps me fall asleep quicker — sometimes I even fall asleep in the middle of the page! The one con of reading a paperback book before bed is I have to have a bright light on in order to see the pages. Now, with my Kindle, I am able to read without worrying about the light. Currently, I have almost finished my third book since Christmas and can’t wait to read more — three books is more than I’ve read in the past five years.

Another way I’ve been bettering myself is getting outside and going on long walks. Since there isn’t much to do these days, my two closest friends and I have met up to go on weekly walks to chit chat and exercise. Sometimes we walk once a week or even multiple times, depending on how our schedules align.

I have also recently started doing yoga. I downloaded an app for beginners that has morning yoga, bedtime yoga, energy boost yoga and more. I have only tried those three because they seem to be the easiest; and since I just started, I want to build up my endurance, strength and balance before I try any of the others.

Although it is still only a month into the new year, I believe I am going to continue with these changes and add more changes to better myself as the year goes on. If you are struggling with finding the motivation to stick to your goals and aspirations this year, I hope this will help jumpstart it a bit.

— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator