It’s that time again: people are making plans for the coming year, seeking self-improvement in one way or another…and often setting toxic expectations for themselves.
New Year’s Resolutions can be horribly detrimental to your mental health. Often the chosen resolution is something that a person is not ready to attempt, or is too big of a leap from where they are at currently. These unrealistic expectations are why people often break and abandon their resolutions quickly, with the intent to repeat them in the future…leading to an endless cycle of disappointment and frustration.
Even though traditional resolutions can be damaging, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t good resolutions to make for yourself in the new year! We’ve rounded up some great resolutions that you can break into steps and reasonably achieve before the end of the next year…whether you start January 1st or any other time!
Go to Therapy.
No stigma here! Mental health is a top priority for Punk Rock Saves Lives, and with that comes access to professional mental health care. Therapy can feel unattainable or scary, but when you know where to access the right resources, it can be quite manageable! Keep an eye on our website and social channels, as we are currently partnering with different mental health resources to make therapy more accessible and affordable for all.
Create a Routine.
Routines can be critical to the maintenance of your mental health. When you create a routine for yourself, it can make the day-to-day chores feel less overwhelming on bad days because the habit is formed and not a conscious effort. Things like grooming habits, meal and snack times, exercise plans, and sleep schedules can have a large impact on not only your physical health but also your mental health.
Make a Crisis Plan.
We often don’t think about a crisis plan until we need one, and at that time it could be too late. By making your plan while you are having a good or okay day, you have the peace of mind that a plan is in place when those really, really bad days come along. Make a list of resources to have on hand for when you need them, keep your local emergency services on speed dial, and include a trusted friend or family member on your plan.
Build a Stronger Support Network.
We can never have too many people in our corner! Find the people who understand you, and provide support to one another. Whether it’s peer support groups or family, old friends or new, having honest conversations around mental health will keep the subject less stigmatized for all of you, making it easier to talk about when you need help.
It’s the Little Things!
The reason New Year’s Resolutions often fail is that they’re such drastic moves for the person making them. Your resolutions don’t have to be big! By setting more realistic goals for the year that have manageable steps, you’re well on your way to accomplishing your goal.
This year skip the guilt and weight of disappointment from a massive resolution. After all, if you’re treating the new year as a clean slate…you deserve to start it off right!