Five Ways to Keep Your Spirits High in the New Year.

The start of the new year is traditionally marked by setting goals, making plans and thinking about what we want in the next twelve months of our lives. Even though things might look different right now, 'don t let COVID ruin any of your New Year ’ s resolutions.

If 2020 taught us nothing else, it showed us how to appreciate the importance of adapting and having resiliency. With those thoughts in mind, there ’ s a few ways you can travel safely and experience the good things in life, even if you choose not to leave your home state or region.

Stay flexible. It’ s important to continue our lives and that means planning trips, but be okay if things get canceled or pushed back. Make sure to check insurance,

health and safety guidelines, international travel before you leave. and other requirements for domestic and

With the high potential for travel plans to change, it’ s a good idea to call your credit card company before you book your trip to see if they offer fee reimbursement if you have to cancel your travel plans on short notice.

immediate future. Instead of putting all your travel plans on hold,

consider exploring your surrounding areas. One way to do that is to have an experience that is the opposite of your day to day living space.

If you live in the city, try a staycation in a cozy cabin. Likewise,

if you ’ re from a small town, utilize Airbnb to experience a stay in an urban abode. You can rest at ease knowing that room share companies have heightened cleaning requirements due to COVID no matter where you stay.

Have a solo adventure. Instead of stressing about missing that annual girls trip this year, use this time to lean into your independence by taking a solo trip. Traveling alone can be a great way to unwind, get to know more about yourself and promote personal growth. Stay safe by checking out affinity groups on Facebook to learn the tips and tricks for practically any location.

Take it outside. Sometimes the weather doesn ’t always cooperate, but outdoor adventures are available year-round in many parts of the country. Depending on where you're located there are probably an abundance of options for getting outdoors.

This year might be the perfect opportunity to take up a new outdoor hobby you ’ ve always wanted to try. Winter activities like skiing or snowboarding promise fun and adventure in mountainous regions that get lots of snow. There may also be plenty of hiking, kayaking, and nature walk at regional, state, and national parks near .you To find places to be active outside, check out sites like recreation.gov or search outdoor recreational groups on Facebook.

Bask in the simple pleasures. There ’ s nothing quite like a night out with good conversation and great food. Sometimes you just want that yummy meal without going out, and luckily there are lots of restaurants offering meal kits and virtual wine tastings these days so you can recreate your favorite meals and sips at home.

Pro tip. This option is also perfect for up leveling your date night or girls night at home. Even if your favorite eateries aren ’t offering meal kits, you may be able to purchase high quality meats from restaurants because they don't want to throw away surplus food. Put it in your deep freezer and plan to indulge your family and friends, or yourself, with your favorite meals over the next month or two.

Aaliyah AL-Mahdi

U S . A R M Y

Aaliyah is from Cary, NC and spent the majority of her life there. After graduating from college, she commissioned into the US Army and served in the military for 9.5 years. Aaliyah is the owner of The People’s Parlor and is employed with a construction company. Connect with her today at www.thepeoplesparlor.com.