Editor’s Note: This post was created using content from our prior blogs posted on 01/15/2024
Happy New Year everyone! We are at the beginning of a brand new year that is sure to be full of new opportunities for us to become better versions of ourselves. It’s common for people around the world to set resolutions for the new year. Whether that is spending more time reading books instead of staring at phone screens, improving one’s physical fitness level, or getting back into a hobby that was put aside for a while, these resolutions are ways for people to focus on things that they may have forgotten about throughout the year. While resolutions can be useful in terms of goal setting, they can occasionally become overwhelming- impacting one’s mental health and negating the desire to continue pursuing their goals. There are some important things to keep in mind when setting goals for the new year, and these key points can help minimize stress while ensuring the new year is happy and productive.
Avoid Unrealistic Expectations
It is important to set specific goals with realistic timelines. Juniper Center clinician Sare Griffis comments that “many resolutions are tied to external standards or ideals (like losing weight or achieving career success), which can heighten anxiety, stress, and feelings of inadequacy.” To prevent this, maybe one can adjust their goals and organize their schedule around accomplishing them. For example, if one has the goal of losing weight, one can plan an hour or two a day exercising and composing a healthy meal plan for the week. It’s all about making a plan when setting a goal for the new year and making the time to achieve the goal.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Of course, life has a way of intervening, and the distractions that occur in everyday life can cause us to lose track of our New Year’s resolutions. Jobs, school, taking care of things at home, etc. can cause us to put our goals on hold to focus on what’s going on here and now. Sare reminds us that “it’s okay to have setbacks! It’s natural and a great growth opportunity to return to a goal following a setback.” Becoming a brand new version of ourselves is a journey, and each step of the journey should be seen as an accomplishment, even if we experience a day or two of setbacks. The saying that it’s the journey, not the destination, that makes accomplishing goals worthwhile. When the destination is finally reached, one will feel proud of themselves for getting to the point where one feels like a brand new person.
Set Resolutions to Focus on Mental Health
The most common New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on fitness, hobbies, and reducing screen time; however, if one notices that their mental health may not be in the best state, it may not be a bad idea to set a resolution that focuses on improving this critical asset. Resources such as therapists, therapy groups, and even home remedies are available for those focusing on their mental health to help them achieve a better state of mind.
Sare tells us that some of the most common goals one sets for oneself when it comes to refocusing on their mental health are “improving sleep hygiene, building social connections, journaling or creative expression, practicing mindfulness, and exploring setting boundaries.” All of these contribute to various personality types; whether someone is having a hard time saying no to certain things, struggling with their sleeping habits, or trying to find the “spark” to their creative side, all of these goals can help reduce stress and make one feel a more peaceful state of mind in their everyday life.
The Juniper Center has many clinicians on staff, ready to help those trying to become better versions of themselves. Our clinicians are here to listen to anything that might be on your mind. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment to help you achieve your resolutions, please call 847-759-9110 extension 2 to find the resources to help you become a brand new you this year!