Since January is a month for new beginnings and fresh starts, many of us make resolutions with the best of intentions during this time. However, it’s already February, so the excitement might have worn off by now. If you’re having trouble keeping your resolutions, don’t worry. The following five things can help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions:
- Break up your goals: It’s critical to be realistic about your goals. Setting unattainable goals can make you feel disappointed and demotivated. Break down your resolution into more manageable, smaller objectives, and celebrate each one as you complete it.
- Pay Attention to the Process, Not the Result: Instead of concentrating only on the outcome, pay attention to the steps you are taking to achieve your goal. This can help you maintain your motivation while reducing stress and anxiety. For instance, instead of just picturing yourself performing at a concert, concentrate on practicing for a specific amount of time each day if your goal is to learn a new skill, like playing the guitar. Celebrate your advancement as you go.
- Engage in Self-Care: Achieving any goal requires taking good care of your mental health. Set aside time for relaxing activities like reading, meditation, and exercise. Take breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout, for instance, if your resolution is to be more productive. To de-stress, go for a walk, read a book, or practice meditation.
- Surround Yourself with Support: Having a network of friends and family who support you can go a long way toward helping you stick to your resolutions. Consider getting involved with a group or speaking to your friends if you want accountability and support. For instance, if one of your resolutions is to stop smoking, consider joining a support group or asking friends who have done so for motivation and accountability.
- Be Flexible: It’s important to be adaptable when setting goals because life can be unpredictable. In the event that you encounter a setback, be gentle with yourself. Instead, think twice about your plan of action and update your goals as necessary. For instance, if one of your goals is to save money, you should be aware that it’s acceptable for unforeseen expenses to occur. Instead of giving up, adjust your spending plan and look for ways to spend less on things that are not absolutely necessary.
You can keep your New Year’s resolutions and improve your mental and physical health by following these steps. At AAPsychiatry, we understand the importance of mental health and strive to support our patients in their journey towards wellness. Remember, taking care of yourself should always be a top priority. If you need help, feel free to reach out for an appointment!