New Year’s resolutions aren’t only about hitting the gym, saving more money, or traveling to new and exotic locations. Your mental health should also be the focus of any resolutions you may make. Have you ever wondered how the resolutions you set can actually impact your mental well-being? The goals we set for ourselves can have a surprising effect on our mind and emotional state. In this blog, we’ll explore how mental health resolutions can either boost your well-being or add extra pressure, and how to make sure they truly support your mental health journey.
How Does The New Year Affect Mental Health?
The New Year can hit differently, especially regarding mental health. On one hand, there’s a brand new year full of potential, fresh starts, and new goals, which can feel motivating and exciting. On the other hand, the pressure to set “perfect” resolutions, the fear of failing, and the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.
Social media doesn’t help, either. Seeing everyone’s highlight reels and vacation or relationship goals might make you feel like you’re not doing enough. But the thing is, the New Year can also be a time to reflect, reset, and show yourself some grace. Focus on small wins, prioritize self-care, and remember that mental health is about progress, not perfection.
What Is The Psychology Behind Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail?
If we are completely honest with ourselves, most of the resolutions we set at the beginning of the year fail within a few days, and some are never even attempted. But why is that?
- Unrealistic Goals: Setting goals that are too grandiose in scale or vague can make it hard to stay motivated.
- Lack of Accountability: Without a support system or someone to hold you accountable, it’s easy to fall off track.
- Fear of Failure: The pressure to stick to a resolution can feel stressful, leading to fear of not achieving it.
- No Clear Plan: Not breaking down your goals into smaller, actionable steps makes it harder to make or see progress.
- Overwhelm: Trying to change too many things at once can feel overwhelming, leading to burnout.
- Short-Term Motivation: Resolutions often rely on short-term motivation, which fades as the months go by.
- External Pressure: Social expectations can push unrealistic goals that aren’t truly aligned with what you want.
What Are The Psychological Factors Contributing To Resolution-Related Stress?
Resolution-related stress is that annoying feeling when you’ve got all these goals but your brain draws a blank when it comes to actually sallying forth to tackle them. Several psychological factors can mess with your head and contribute to that stress.
You set super ambitious goals, like “I’m gonna hit the gym six days a week” or “I’ll be a totally different person by February.” Unrealistic expectations can lead to pressure that feels impossible to meet, which adds a ton of stress.
Nobody wants to crash and burn, but sometimes the fear of failing can be more paralyzing than the actual failure itself. Doubt makes us anxious and stops us from even trying.
Trying to be perfect at everything all the time is a recipe for stress. Perfectionism can make every setback feel way bigger than it is.
Deciding on a resolution is one thing, but overthinking everything can lead to paralysis.
Looking around at what everyone else is doing on social media can mess with your head. You compare yourself to people who might seem like they’ve got it all figured out, which makes you feel even more stressed out.
Some days, even if you want to make a change, you might not feel like you’ve got what it takes. Low motivation and self-doubt can make it hard to push forward, adding more stress when things don’t go as planned.
Tips For Effective Goal-Setting
Setting goals that actually stick can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be! Here are some simple tips to make your goal-setting more effective and achievable.
- Keep It Clear and Specific: Vague goals like “I want to get in shape” won’t cut it. “I’ll go to the gym three times a week” is more specific, and you know exactly what you’re working toward.
- Break It Down: Big goals can feel daunting, but breaking them into smaller steps makes them way more manageable. Focus on one small step at a time and watch your progress build.
- Make It Realistic: Aim for goals that push you, but that you know are possible. Balance challenges with what you can reasonably achieve.
- Set a Deadline: Deadlines help create a sense of urgency. Set a clear timeframe to stay on track.
- Track Your Progress: Journaling, using a habit tracker, or even an app can help you stay accountable and motivated as you check things off your list.
- Stay Flexible: Life happens. If something isn’t working or if you hit a setback, adjust your goal instead of giving up completely. Flexibility keeps you moving forward.
- Make It Meaningful: Your goals should resonate with you. When they’re tied to what matters most, they’ll be easier to stick to.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, whether it’s big or small, to keep yourself motivated and boost confidence.
- Keep Your Motivation High: Surround yourself with positivity and find what keeps you excited about your goals.
- Reflect & Adjust: Check in on your goals regularly and reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Staying adaptable ensures you stay aligned with your ambitions.
Peak Wellness Can Help You Set Effective Mental Health Resolutions
If you’re struggling to stick to your mental health goals this New Year, don’t sweat it! Peak Wellness is here to help you set effective resolutions that stick. Let’s face it, mental health is no joke (but we can definitely make it a little lighter)!
At Peak Wellness, we believe in keeping things real and attainable. No matter what your goals are or how hard it may seem to get started and keep on track, we’ve got your back. Our team of pros is here to guide you with personalized strategies that make your mental health goals feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
With us, you’ll be setting resolutions that will be full-on game-changers. So why not let us help you turn your mental health goals into a reality? Contact us today to achieve your peak success with Peak Wellness.
