It’s 2022 but it feels like we’re basically entering a trilogy of 2020. The pandemic is still ongoing and there’s been more disasters and crises than anyone would like lately. But even though it may seem like circumstances aren’t changing, we can change the way that we approach this new year. It’s a new year and you have endless opportunities to make it one to remember—in a good way!
There are many things we all want to leave behind in 2021. This new year, it’s time to let go of unnecessary stresses. So that you can prioritise what really matters and get rid of any weight that may bring you down.
We want to help you live your best life in 2022, so we’re sharing these tips to help you reduce stress and increase peace. Because you are meant to thrive. We hope these tips help you live out your full potential this year. Here’s to 2022!
1. Let go of... overscheduling your life
This is the year to spend time on what’s important and not to dedicate your energy to things that don’t actually matter. Your time is precious and it should be spent on your priorities. Set boundaries and say no to plans that are not life-giving. Not overscheduling will also help you prevent burnout and help you take time for the things that matter. Establish your priorities and make sure to set time apart in your schedule for self-care and personal time.
If you want to help your community but don’t want to consistently add another item to your to-do list every month, consider being a monthly donor for UGM! This is an easy way to give back that doesn’t take up your time but still allows you to give back to your community on a regular basis.
2. Let go of... your phone
Being on our phone constantly actually adds more stress instead of lessening it. Though it may feel good to unplug and disassociate by going on your phone, scrolling through social media for hours can cause more stress. Your body needs a break from the screens. Instead of automatically reaching for your phone, try going for a walk, chatting with a friend or reading a book to refresh your mind and body.
Beyond using your phone less, also take time to unfollow any social media accounts that may leave you feeling discouraged or down. Only follow pages that bring light into your day. For content that will fill you instead of robbing you of joy, follow UGM’s social media pages and be inspired by heartwarming transformation stories.
3. Let go of... clutter in your home
A cluttered physical space affects your mental space more than you realize. This year, let go of all the items in your home that you don’t need anymore. Maybe it’s a pair of jeans you haven’t worn in years or books that have collected dust on your bookshelf—declutter and refresh your home space. Research shows that practicing minimalism can have several benefits.
A great way to make sure your decluttered items still find a new home and don’t go to waste? Donating them to our UGM Thrift Store! We accept various sorts of donations and they ultimately help our neighbours in need. Visit our website for information on what items are accepted and donation drop-off and pick-up procedures.
UGM staff members who are also best friends
4. Let go of... unhealthy relationships
Community is everything here at UGM, because we’ve seen firsthand how big of an impact it can make on a person. Healthy relationships are crucial for things like recovery, overcoming trauma, resilience and wellbeing. Which is why you should not even entertain unhealthy or toxic relationships in your life. With all the stresses that come in life already, there’s no time to keep an unhealthy relationship. You can control the type of relationships you accept into your life.
We’ve witnessed many healthy friendships formed at UGM, whether it’s between our staff, community members, volunteers and more. If you’re interested in becoming a part of our supportive community and helping others through your job, please visit our Careers page.
A meal that we served to our community
5. Let go of... unhealthy food habits
The saying “you are what you eat” is popular for a reason: because it’s true! What you eat affects how you feel. Not only do your eating habits affect your physical health, but your mental health too. Eating healthy foods help improve your mood, focus and happiness. It’s so important to fuel your body with the right types of foods so that you have the energy to take on the day.
At UGM, we offer daily meals to our community to help them be nourished and prepared. Our meals aim to have a balance of all the food groups and always include vegetables and protein. We serve hundreds of meals daily to our homeless neighbours in need.
6. Let go of... the resistance to change
One of the only things that we can always be sure of, is that change is one of the constants in life. And since we can’t stop change from happening, we might as well learn to embrace it so that when it hits us unexpectedly, we can move forward with a more positive perspective. Some ways to overcome the resistance to change include being open, taking on a learning mindset, and seeing the positive sides to change.
At UGM, we’ve seen many people change for the better as they overcome homelessness, poverty and addiction. We’re always inspired by their strength and resilience and the hard work they put in to turn their lives around in spite of the odds. If you’d like to be a part of positive change in your community, please visit our website and learn how you can give back.
Our UGM emergency shelter
7. Let go of... lack of sleep
There are so many physical, emotional and mental benefits to getting enough sleep—yet more often than not, it’s something we don’t prioritize. Allow yourself to get proper rest, because that’s one of the best ways to ensure you have proper energy to take on the world. Getting enough sleep helps your brain be sharper, boosts your mood, improves your athletic abilities and more.
Sleep is essential and that’s why we offer a safe space for our homeless neighbours to lay their head at night. Our emergency shelter is open 365 days a year, with 72 beds for people in need of a safe, warm place to sleep.
