Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, people around the world make resolutions to improve their lives. Whether it's losing weight, quitting smoking, or saving money, these goals are often centered around physical health and material success. However, when it comes to mental health goals, New Year's resolutions tend to fall short.
Mental health is a complex and deeply personal aspect of our lives that requires ongoing commitment and support from professionals who understand its intricacies. Simply setting a resolution on January 1st does not address the underlying issues that contribute to mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. Furthermore, the pressure of sticking to a resolution can be detrimental to one's mental well-being in more ways than one. If someone sets an unrealistic goal or fails to achieve it within a specific timeframe, they may feel like a failure and experience increased stress and anxiety. That is why in therapy sessions we collaborate to determine smart goals that are achievable, realistic, and relevant to you year-round.
Instead of relying on New Year's resolutions for our mental health goals, individuals should prioritize self-care throughout the year. This includes seeking professional help when needed, practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or journaling, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining healthy relationships, and taking time for hobbies and relaxation.
While New Year's resolutions may work for some areas of life improvement, they are not effective for mental health goals. Mental and emotional well-being requires ongoing attention and care that cannot be condensed into a single resolution made once a year. We must prioritize our mental health throughout the entire year rather than relying on fleeting resolutions that often lead to disappointment and further distress.
Talk to your therapist today to revise your goals for not only the new year but for the improved you!