Does the feeling of a new year being on the horizon make you excited to turn over a new leaf? New Year’s resolutions are tempting because a fresh calendar can feel like a clean slate— it’s a chance to reinvent and commit to new habits and routines. But despite best intentions, according to studies, approximately 80% of new year’s resolutions are not successful. [1]
New Year’s resolutions can be difficult to achieve for any number of reasons. Perhaps the goal or resolution isn’t realistic, to begin with? Perhaps it requires more motivation to commit to sticking to it, so finding a partner to help encourage you would help? Or maybe and the resolution itself simply isn’t the right fit for what your mind and body need right now? Whatever the reason, we want to dismiss the common idea that a new year is a time for a “new you.” By taking small steps, setting realistic goals, and seeking support where you need it, will help lead you to success, working towards becoming a happier you.
Start with the Basics
A new year doesn’t have to mark a time of major change. In fact, it can be an opportunity to master the basics of self-care and stronger mental well-being by committing to small, truly impactful changes. Everything gets easier in life when the basics are taken care of. Now is the time to ask yourself some of the following questions:
- “Do I get the amount of sleep I need?”
- “Am I drinking enough water and eating healthy during the day?”
- And as a follow-up, “Am I getting the variety of nutrients I need?”
- “Am I being physically active at least three times a week?”
- “Am I practicing regular self-care that makes me feel good, nourished, and valued?”
If the answers to any of the above questions are “No,” that might be your cue to make one of them a resolution to commit to in 2022. You’ll likely notice that other small, positive changes follow when you commit to a healthier lifestyle. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make drastic changes. Take small steps and set reasonable daily goals. Our blog post about the Foundations of a Good Mental Health Routine is a great place to start for more information about how to make good mental fitness a priority for you!.
Notice the Good
Our President & CEO, Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie has this to say about attaining your goals.
“Sometimes we can get caught up in an “all or nothing” mentality as it relates to new goals and New Year’s resolutions. We can get lost in the idea that if we can’t do something perfectly or commit fully, we might as well not try. In fact, just starting is the hardest part. We are all human, and even with plenty of motivation and drive, there will very likely be days when we will slip, and our goal is not reached. The most important thing is to notice the good for even the smallest effort you make. Be kind to yourself. Be proud of your efforts, set realistic goals and ‘Notice the Good’ in YOU!”
Expressing gratitude daily is a positive and realistic goal to kick off your new year. Whether you write it in your journal or express your gratitude to a loved one, it’s remarkable how much better life can be when we take the time to notice the good in ourselves and our loved ones along the way.
Seek Extra Support When & Where You Need It
The new year may finally be the right time to seek extra support if you’ve been feeling like your mental well-being needs improvement. That’s where the Strongest Families Institute comes in. We equip people of all ages with valuable life- skills to overcome mental health issues impacting health and well-being. Our programs help clients and their families to cope with anxiety, depression, bedwetting, behaviour challenges, and headache or stomach pain. Best of all, the programs can be completed in the comfort and privacy of your own home via telephone or online.
Our telephone support coaches provide flexible appointments. Your personal coach will support and encourage you through the entire program to make sure the skills address your specific concerns and are easy to use them daily to promote good mental health now and into the future. People who complete our programs in full see the strongest, long-lasting, impacts.
Read more about how you can get help from Strongest Families Institute, here.
What do you hope to achieve in the new year? Share with us on social media:
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Twitter: @StrongestFam
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/
Tags: e-mental health, mental health, mental wellness, new year, New Year's resolution, strongest families