The end of the year is a busy time for most folks. We are busy holidaying with friends and family, decorating, wrapping gifts, shuttling kids back and forth to Christmas concert practices, waiting in long lines at the mall for those “special” gifts we want to give others. After all of that activity is over, a short lull and then, bam! The new year has arrived.
It’s sometimes hard to catch our breath when we’re running back and forth through this season, but the it is not uncommon for people to feel empty after all of the anxiety and stress of the holiday’s passes.
With the New Year comes fresh starts and ambitious resolutions. When it comes to mental health, it is especially important to nurture ourselves as we enter the New Year.
Take Time for Reflection
Arguably, this is a practice that I would encourage all year long. However, the dawn of a New Year bring this practice to the forefront. So take some time to consider this past year and reflect. Ask yourself what joys did you experience this past year? What accomplishments did you achieve? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? What did you learn about yourself from these accomplishments and challenges?
Set Realistic and Value-based Goals
Once you have a sense of your past year (and sometimes grateful it’s over), consider what you want to work toward in the new year. Learning a new skill? Making new friends? Making a difference that satisfies your integrity and values? Maybe volunteering somewhere or just being intentional to spend more time on your own healing journey? Whatever your goals are, keep them realistic and specific. It may be great to want to “change stuff for myself” this year, but it’s not specific. Instead, consider “I want to attend therapy once per month” or “I want to read two self-help books this year”.
If you are someone who has difficulty with follow through, ask a friend or colleague to join you or create some other type of accountability. For example, I have often encouraged clients to sign up for a yoga class instead of just “working out.” That way, they know the teacher will know if they didn’t make it, and that can create a sense of accountability. Besides, who wants to pay for something and then NOT use it?
Be Flexible
While goals are good to set and keep us on track, they also need to be flexible. Things change through the year, in big ways and small ways. My job demands change, finances are a bit tighter than usual, kids grow up and have different needs, we change jobs, and so forth. So while having goals is a good idea for this year, be willing to be flexible with them and be gentle with yourself when they change. Remember, you are in control of your goals. No one else. So avoid bastardizing yourself when they need to change for legitimate reasons.
Therapy can Help
Of course, on the topic of accountability, individual counselling can be a great resource to use. Individual counsellors can help you develop insight, learn about yourself, clarify your values, set boundaries, communicate more effectively and just create space for you to talk and think without judgment or shame or fear. Individual counsellors are ready to help you achieve your best and will be your biggest cheerleaders as you do.
Final Thoughts
The new year is an opportunity to grow, but true growth comes from a place of self-compassion and intentionality. By setting meaningful mental health goals, you can create a foundation for a year of emotional resilience and well-being.
Would you like support achieving your goals this year? At Oakhill Counselling and Mediation Services, we’re here to help. Reach out to schedule a session today.
