Many had hoped 2021 would come with a normal feeling and less vitriol and conflict, however, through the first month, it feels as though that is not going to be the case.

Jessica Smiley with Heritage Behavioral Health Services indicates national and world events might still be impacting us and she is hopeful instead of focusing on events out of our control, we'll turn to a more self-care model of focus this year.

As we seek to focus on things we can control, Smiley emphasizes having self-compassion and not being too hard on ourselves. She says not every day or every situation is going to go how we plan or hope.

It's ok to not be ok is a continuing message from mental health professionals and Smiley continues to make this point as well. She not being happy or content all the time is ok and implores anyone battling elevated levels of depression or anxiety to seek out help.

Getting some exercise is a great way to refresh your mind and your emotions. While it doesn't have to be a hard-hitting 45-minute session in the gym, Smiley says whatever you do, give yourself some grace in getting started.

Other tips for self-care from Smiley includes making sure there is time for that thing or things you love. She also notes, self-care is not for just people struggling with depression or anxiety, but for those among us, that may be struggling with a circumstance in our own lives. Smiley says when we are able to take care of ourselves, we are then able to care for those around us.