Is it time to rethink New Year’s resolutions?

The top New Year’s resolutions are typically to lose weight, save money and travel more, and according to a recently released survey by offers.com, 2021 is no different. Of the 1,000 adults questioned, 26 percent said they intend to start a diet and exercise more, while 23 percent want to save funds and get out of debt. Coming in at 17 percent was to travel more.

But after this year, especially, it may be time to rethink those resolutions.

While 17 percent of the 7,750 people surveyed by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana lost weight during the pandemic, about 27 percent said they had gained. Not surprisingly, the study also found that, on average, people reported significantly higher anxiety levels, with about 20 percent reporting that their symptoms, such as experiencing dread, were severe enough to interfere with their daily activities. Mental-health experts recommend people who are suffering from anxiety and stress focus not on the number on the scale, but rather on things like the quality of the food on their plates. Drink more green tea and eat more antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries and dark chocolate. Try to have an avocado every day; it contains essential nutrients that help reduce stress hormones and regulate blood pressure.

It’s also wise to switch up exercise routines. It’s a new year, and while 2021 might at first feel like an extension of 2020, changing routines can help prevent burnout. “Almost everyone needs to readjust their lifestyles every now and then,” says fitness guru Denise Austin.

For those who are wanting to start a routine, the CDC advises adults exercise at least 150 minutes per week. But if that sounds daunting, remember starting slow is okay. “It’s important not to feel defeated and stop working out altogether,” Austin says. Walking for 30 minutes at a brisk pace two to three times per week is a good start. Maybe join a stretching class on Zoom. But before starting something new, the National Institute on Aging advises seniors to visit a primary care doctor with any questions or concerns.

There are, of course, other ways to switch things up. Find a new book by a local author. Order takeout from a different restaurant. Try a new recipe from an old cookbook. Take an online painting class or use an app to learn a new language. And remember: Resolutions don’t have to be longterm goals. As psychologist Katherine Arbuthnott points out, “It is probably challenging enough to figure out what’s needed to make it through the months until everyone is vaccinated and can start to make their way back into a more social world.”