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Ringing in the New Year...Realistically
It's that time of the year again, when we decide to make life-changing resolutions on a spur of the moment whim. The clock strikes midnight as we celebrate and usher in the new year and new unrealistic resolutions.
The tradition of making New Year's resolutions is as common as not fulfilling these same resolutions. We have all done it. We make these honest promises to ourselves to better our lives in the coming year and break them the following week.
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"We really don't mean it," says Bob Ley, Psy.D., Overlook Center clinical director. "We set many unrealistic goals."
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According to Ley, the let down of breaking these resolutions only adds to the already enormous stress we have during the holidays and into the new year.
"We deal with unnecessary guilt for not accomplishing our goals," Ley explains. "We make ourselves more vulnerable to stress with the constant reminder of breaking our resolutions."
Helpful tips for setting realistic resolutions:
- Set goals throughout the year, not only on one night.
- Set goals you can actually accomplish.
- Make group resolutions (with spouse/friends).
- Friendly competition makes it easier to fulfill resolution.
- Do not make resolutions in the heat of the moment or on a dare.
- Stop and think about what you are really saying.
- Do not worry or beat yourself up over breaking a resolution.
- Relax and enjoy the holiday season.
- If you truly want to reach a goal, make it realistic.
- Put your goals in writing and post in a conspicuous position.
Post-Holiday Letdown
After Christmas has come and gone, we still have to deal with the fall-out from the holidays -- the work put off, the bills, the weight gain, the return to the daily grind. The New Year itself can often be depressing, as many decide to take a personal inventory. What if we didn't accomplish last year's resolutions?
Behavioral health professionals advise easing slowly back into normal routine. Take the decorations down gradually. Tackle your "in-box" one item at a time. Try to pace yourself and relax, perhaps even by taking a long weekend. Consider putting off committing to your New Year's resolutions until later when you are fully back in stride.