Your Mental Health and the New Year

The New Year is a time of transition and hope. This year, changing from 2020 to 2021 is especially filled with transitions and optimism.

Transitions are difficult (whether perceived as positive or negative), as I have discussed in other posts, and it is very important to practice self-care during these challenging times. How you practice self-care can be specific to each individual but generally includes eating well, getting enough sleep and rest, exercise, and meditation.

Many of us make New Year’s resolutions each year. Generally, they do not work because they often do not involve a change in lifestyle or habit, making them unsustainable. Read more about New Year’s resolutions.

Instead, I recommend that you think about how you want your life to be and then put daily rituals in place toward that goal that are sustainable for you. These rituals can be incremental changes and can include small things that can be done every day, such as meditating for five minutes or writing a daily gratitude list, or fifteen minutes per day of a fun exercise program such as dance.

Because of COVID, 2021 will be even more focused on your health and the health of your loved ones and your community. There are many good ways to ring in 2021 in the safety of your home. Here are some ideas:

• https://hypebae.com/2020/12/new-years-eve-2021-at-home-party-ideas-countdown-virtual-events

• https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/g34934794/quarantine-new-years-eve-ideas/

Whatever you choose to do either to celebrate in the moment or to plan for the future, try to let go of your emotional attachment to the expectation of how things “should” be going. It is okay and human to have expectations but try not to allow them to bring disappointment. Take in the great things that you do have and enjoy them.

We will look back on this time of transition and change as monumental and how we all did our part to make it as safe and as healthy as we could. If you need more support during the holidays, please do not hesitate to reach out.