Forget New Year’s Resolutions and Make a Plan Now

New Year’s resolutions and anxiety can be difficult and overwhelming to deal with, in times of transition or change. In addition, the New Year can bring feelings of stress and anxiety as we set goals and make resolutions for the year ahead. But there are several strategies that can help manage and reduce anxiety in the New Year.

One effective strategy is to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. These techniques can help calm the mind and body and provide a sense of control over anxious thoughts and feelings.

It can also be helpful to establish a healthy daily routine, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet. Junk food is one of your enemies here. You don’t have to become a vegetarian or a vegan, but you do need to eat healthy foods to nourish your body and your mind.

These practices can help improve physical and mental well-being and provide stability and structure. Structure and stability are two main components of controlling stress and the resulting anxiety.

Another useful strategy is to set realistic goals and expectations for the New Year. It is important to remember that it is okay to take small steps and not put too much pressure on oneself. It can also be helpful to enlist the support of friends, family, or a mental health professional to help navigate any challenges that may arise.

Additionally, it is essential to recognize when anxiety is overwhelming and seek support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, or from a trusted friend or family member.

Overall, managing anxiety in the New Year requires self-care practices, setting realistic goals, and seeking support when needed. By implementing these strategies, people can better handle their anxiety and navigate the challenges of the New Year with greater ease and resilience.

The bottom line is not to set yourself up with overly ambitious goals that quickly fade into oblivion once we’re a week or two into the new year. This is not only self-defeating, but it also serves to damage your self-esteem.

Do you want to make yourself feel like a failure? I doubt it, and I know that there’s one thing to keep in mind, too; there’s always some good from the bad things we encounter. No, I’m not being a Pollyanna because I’ve seen this happen time and time again. Look for the good, and you will find it.