How to Deal with Anxiety Related to New Year’s Resolutions
It's that time of the year again when many of us start thinking about New Year's resolutions and how we want to make changes in our lives. Unfortunately, with this comes a flurry of emotions and thoughts. Which can often lead to feelings of anxiety. The new year for an individual with anxiety can bring on an entirely different set of challenges. One of rumination on the negative rather than reflecting on the accomplishments of the year past.
If you're someone who is feeling anxious about the New Year, there are ways to cope. Ways that don't end up with you comparing yourself to others or feeling like you’ve failed. So, no resolutions, but rather, changes. Changes that will help you set achievable goals and focus on what you can control. At Core Counseling, we understand the stress and anxiety the New Year can bring and our therapists are here to help.
Make a Plan with Your Anxiety Therapist For What You Want to Do Differently
Rather than making a new years resolution, it might be a better idea to make a plan on what you want to do differently. Resolutions allow you to compare yourself to others and are often associated with feelings of guilt or failure when you don't succeed. So, instead of making a resolution, make a plan.
Think about the areas in which you want to make changes. When thinking about these areas, sit down and ask yourself questions like "What can I do differently? What would benefit me the most? What can I realistically commit to?" These questions can help guide you in the right direction.
Make Smaller, Attainable, and Realistic Changes
When considering the changes you want to make, it's important to start small and be realistic. Making huge changes, often ones that resolutions tend to revolve around can be overwhelming and unrealistic. So, thinking of a change that you can realistically make and keep up with is important. Then break this change down into smaller, achievable, and attainable steps. This will make the process easier and less overwhelming.
For example, if you want to start practicing more self-care, start by making a list of activities that make you feel good. Then pick one and start doing it regularly. This could be something like taking a bubble bath once a week or reading for thirty minutes every day.
Don't Over-Commit
It can feel like you should be doing more or that you have to reach a certain goal in order for it to count. But this is far from the truth. When you commit to too many changes, goals, or tasks you end up not being able to keep them all and falling short. This can lead to feelings of guilt or defeat. This is also why you should stay away from resolutions as they can often lead to over-committing.
So, when you make your plan or decide to make changes, be selective. Choose one goal or a few smaller goals that you can realistically keep up with. If you decide to change your goals, that's okay but make sure to be realistic and aware of your capabilities.
Practice Self-Compassion
In the new year, showing yourself kindness and compassion is key. Self-compassion involves understanding that setbacks are normal and part of life, rather than seeing them as failures. It means that you understand that you're only human. Mistakes happen, and that's okay.
It can be hard with anxiety to accept this. That's why you can implement practices like practicing gratitude or mindfulness.
Pursue Mindfulness and Gratitude
These practices can help you focus on the present and let go of any negative thoughts.
For example, you can keep a gratitude journal. Every day, take time to write down three things that you're grateful for. This can help you focus on the positive and live in the moment rather than ruminating on the negative feelings or the worry you have for the future. For mindfulness, meditation is a great practice to try. Even if it's just for five minutes, this can help you focus on being in the present moment.
Allowing yourself to practice self-compassion, mindfulness, and gratitude can help you cope with New Year's anxiety. It can help alleviate the anxiety about the fresh slate of a new year and the expectations that come with it. These practices can help you live in the present and accept yourself for who you are. Reducing your anxiety and its symptoms while helping you move into the new year with a positive attitude and outlook.
Interested in Anxiety Treatment in St. Louis or Online Therapy in Missouri?
You may feel overwhelmed with the expectation to set a new year's resolution or feel the anxiety of a new year. However, you don't have to go through it alone. At Core Counseling, our therapists can help you cope with your New Year's anxiety and provide you with the tools to make positive changes in your life. Realistic changes that won't overwhelm you and help you to move forward. If you're interested in beginning therapy:
Contact Core Counseling to get scheduled
Complete Intake forms and meet with a caring Missouri therapist
Begin your healing journey
Other Therapy Services Offered at Core Counseling
At Core Counseling, we understand that you may be facing challenges outside of New Year's anxiety. We’re here to help with those challenges as well. This is why we offer a variety of services to support you on your journey. We offer Anxiety Management, Healing from Depression, Couples and Marriage Counseling, Counseling for Teens, Trauma Counseling, Play Therapy, and Family Therapy. Our therapists are also experienced in treating grief, trauma, addiction, anger management, relationship issues, and ADHD. We are also happy to offer support with mood disorders, emotional issues, life transitions, low self-esteem, stress management, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication issues. We currently offer Online Therapy and Face-to-Face therapy options! Contact us and Let's Talk!
