Stuck in the sorrows of the past? Here are 8 ways to sail through in 2020

Ladies, at the start of a new decade, let bygones be bygones. Start your new year on a positive note.
new year 2020
Heal from the past with positive thoughts and move on. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Sonakshi Kohli Updated: 12 May 2021, 22:34 pm IST
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We are sure that the year gone by must have had its fair share of ups and downs for you. A great promotion or a terrible break-up, weight gain or weight loss, a career boost or an examination failure—these highs and lows are part and parcel of life, right?

However, since it’s time to step into the new year very soon, it’s also time for you to let go of all the negative experiences of the year gone by and stop dwelling on the past.

Yes, it’s easier said than done. But, if you actually follow this advice and genuinely stop looking back at the year gone by, your life will get easier in the year ahead and in many more to come. So, read carefully.

1. Remind yourself of this undeniable fact
You can’t drive a car forward while looking at the rear view mirror. Similarly, you can’t move on in the coming year if you hold on to the year gone by too tight. With the past pulling you down, how will you stay afloat in the new year?

Hence, every time you’re haunted by the previous year’s memories, remind yourself to steer clear of this rear-view syndrome.

2. Try to start afresh instead
The new year is called ‘new’ for a reason. Although it’s never too late to start afresh, the new year can be the perfect opportunity to let go of the past and start with a clean slate and a positive mind.

3. Remember the lessons, not the miseries
While the sweet experiences of the past year are meant for you to smile at, the bitter ones should only be remembered for the lessons they taught you. This way, you can learn and grow in the coming year as an individual. Let go of the hurt though.

4. Focus on the future
How about channelling your time and energy in planning your future goals and positively motivating yourself to achieve them instead of dwelling on the miseries of the bygone days? Sounds smart, doesn’t it?

5. Change your priority with the changing year
While goal-setting can help you stay organised in life, don’t forget to prioritise living in the present moment to the fullest.

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This means that you’ve got to stop looking at the past as well as over-planning the future. Because you know what? You can’t determine what lies ahead and neither can you go back in the past and change/undo anything.

All that’s there in your hands is to choose the way you want to spend the current moment.

6. Disconnect to reconnect
If you’re convinced about starting with a clean slate, then don’t forget to eliminate toxic elements or people from your life before you step into the new year.

Unplug and unwind — a must needed break for a healthy mind. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Not only can moving forth with these disturbances remind you of the past, but they are fully capable of ruining the future too.

So, know that it’s okay to disconnect from certain people and situations in order to reconnect with your happier self in the coming year.

7. Let go of the past once and for all
Remember how burning his ex’s picture makes the depressed Shahid Kapoor feel lighter in Jab We Met? Well, you could do the same.

Collect disturbing pictures or pen down all your negative thoughts and experiences of the past year in a diary, put it in a box, and lock or simply burn it away. This way, you’ll reassure yourself about actually leaving the past in the past.

8. Lean on to healthy distractions for additional support
From spending more time with family and friends to exercising regularly, to focussing on your career, to doing something you’re passionate about—these activities won’t just help you build a better future, they can also prevent any toxic thoughts from the past ruin your mood or progress in general.

Moreover, the resulting sense of satisfaction from pursuing these activities can make you a lot happier in life too.

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About the Author

Twenty kilos down and struggling to maintain the weight loss by preaching healthy eating, while eating unhealthy every now and then. ...Read More

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