WOODBURY — 2020 was probably one of the worst years most of us have ever experienced. Understandably, 2020 has scared all of us a little bit, and maybe set us back from where we want to be physically and mentally.

Last year altered our everyday lives and affected our friends, family, and colleagues. But it’s a new year, and nothing is better than trying to get a fresh start. 

Everyone wants 2021 to be better than 2020, which shouldn’t be too hard to accomplish. Zach Hellwinkle and Lux Calo are both sophomores at Nonnewaug, and they are both looking to improve their 2021 as much as possible.

“I’m going to try and be more organized and more active,” Calo said.

Lots of people say that they are going to work out more and be more organized in 2021, but many times these New Year’s resolutions end up failing. Maybe this is because they don’t know how much working out could really help.

One of the best things you can do in 2021 is to go to sleep early, wake up early, and work out. 

This may be difficult the first few days, but it is proven that waking up early and working out can give you more energy throughout the day, help you be more attentive, and improves your attitude. 

If you are having trouble getting out of your bed in the morning, you can trick your brain from procrastinating by just counting to five. Tell yourself that in five seconds you will get out of bed, and you can help yourself from procrastinating and staying in bed. 

Waking up in the morning can also cause you to eat healthier. This is because of the choices that you have. You are less likely to eat at a fast-food restaurant if you work out in the morning rather than the afternoon or night.

Another way to improve yourself in 2021 is to make fewer assumptions. By making fewer assumptions, you are not going to be upset or angry when things don’t happen the way you thought they would or should.

We all probably assumed 2020 was going to be our best year yet. Obviously, our assumption was wrong, and we were more than disappointed.

“I get why I should make less assumptions,” said Hellwinkle. “I think it would improve my 2021 if I stopped.”

Finally, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. This may sound like a cliché, but it really is true. Put yourself out there, make more friends and connections, and try to better yourself. 

Hellwinkle is looking forward to 2021.

“I’m excited to come back to school and see my friends, and get my driver’s permit, and hopefully this vaccine helps normalize things to the way they used to be,” he said.

This is the opinion of Dylan Chung, a reporter for the NHS Chief Advocate and a sophomore at Nonnewaug.