We Will Be Accepting Cigna Insurance!
Starting January 1st, 2025, MindByMya & Associates will be accepting Cigna insurance, making it easier for clients to access quality mental health care. If you are an existing client and have Cigna insurance, please reach out to our office manager, Andrew, at info@mindbymya.com. He will be happy to assist you with the process.
Embracing the New Year: A Healthier Way to Approach Resolutions
As the New Year approaches the feeling of a fresh start, new possibilities, and the chance to reset often prompts us to make ambitious New Year’s resolutions. While the idea of reinventing ourselves at the dawn of a new year can be empowering, it’s important to recognize the potential dangers of this ritual, especially when it comes to mental health.
The Hidden Dangers of New Year's Resolutions
The allure of setting resolutions is strong. We want to be healthier, more productive, or more successful in the coming year. However, these promises we make to ourselves can sometimes do more harm than good. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Unrealistic Expectations
Many New Year’s resolutions are rooted in lofty, often unattainable goals, like "I will lose 30 pounds in a month" or "I will never eat junk food again." These goals can lead to feelings of failure if we don’t meet them, which in turn can affect our self-esteem and mental health. Unrealistic expectations set us up for disappointment, which is the last thing anyone needs when striving for positive change.
2. All-or-Nothing Thinking
New Year’s resolutions often encourage an all-or-nothing mindset. If we fall short of our goals, we might feel as though we’ve completely failed and abandon them altogether. This kind of thinking can prevent us from taking smaller, more sustainable steps toward positive change. The reality is progress is rarely linear and setbacks are a natural part of the process.
3. Pressure to Achieve
The pressure to make big changes at the start of a new year can add unnecessary stress. For many, the end of the holiday season can already bring its own emotional strain. When coupled with the pressure to be a “new and improved version” of ourselves, it can overwhelm us rather than motivate us.
A Healthier Approach to the New Year
So, how can we approach the New Year in a way that prioritizes mental well-being while still making progress toward our goals? The key is to shift the focus from perfection and drastic change to growth and compassion. Here are some ways to approach the New Year with a healthy mindset:
1. Set Intentions, Not Resolutions
Instead of making rigid resolutions, try setting gentle, flexible intentions for the year ahead. Intentions are less about achieving a specific outcome and more about fostering a mindset that allows for growth. For example, rather than vowing to lose a specific amount of weight, you might set an intention to take better care of your body through movement, balanced/diverse nutrition, and rest. This mindset is more forgiving, realistic, and sustainable.
2. Break Goals into Smaller Steps
If there are areas in your life you’d like to improve, break your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of aiming to "pay off all of your credit card debt by June," start with an achievable goal like creating/following a monthly budget. Small wins add up over time and are less overwhelming than attempting to make big changes all at once.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself throughout the process. If you don’t meet every goal you set, that’s okay. Self-compassion is key! By acknowledging that you’re human, that setbacks are expected, and that it’s part of the journey you create normalcy for your lived experience. Rather than beating yourself up for not achieving something, try to view it as a learning opportunity and an invitation to adjust your approach if needed.
4. Focus on Mental and Emotional Wellness
True well-being is not just about physical or external achievements. The start of a new year can also be a great time to focus on your mental health. Whether that means taking time for self-care, seeking therapy, journaling, practicing mindfulness, or simply prioritizing rest, nurturing your mental health is just as important—if not more so—than any physical goal.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
In a culture that often prioritizes the "end result," it’s easy to forget to celebrate the small wins along the way. Instead of focusing solely on what you haven’t achieved, take time to acknowledge your progress. Every positive change, no matter how small, is a step in the direction you desire!
As we step into the New Year, allow yourself to do so with a spirit of kindness, flexibility, and self-compassion. Instead of setting rigid resolutions, focus on setting intentions that align with your values and well-being. Remember, growth is a process, and every step forward counts.
Wishing you a New Year filled with peace, growth, and mental wellness.
-Mya L. Adams M.Ed., LPC-S
MindByMya & Associates - Where your mind matters!
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