Managing the Stress and Fear of the New Year
Managing the stress and fear of the new year can be quite demanding for some but it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether it’s stress from family members, buying all those holiday gifts, or managing your new year’s resolutions, learning how to overcome that stress can get you that fresh start the new year deserves.
Let’s talk about a few common stressors and what can be done to mitigate them:
New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions are cultural phenomena that have captivated the thoughts of many. While the intentions are good, New Year’s resolutions can create a tremendous amount of stress simply by thinking about them. Remember, being prepared can minimize the anxious feelings you get when anticipating something. Here are a few resolutions and ways to get prepared that might help you out:
Resolutions
Getting fit
Rely on a friend to keep you on track
Build a social support network to gain encouragement
Make use of fitness apps and technology
Saving money
Stick to a budget
Make use of financial apps
Eating healthier
Try adding one new healthy food a week
Figure out an eating plan that fits your schedule
Quitting smoking
Set a definite date for your quit day
Suddenly expecting yourself to change sends the message that you will never be good enough unless you completely alter yourself. This creates a mentality that will forever keep you miserable and dissatisfied with yourself no matter what you accomplish since you are always in need of change.
But there’s another side to this which claims that you should always be looking to improve yourself and become the best version of yourself that you can be. So, which is it? This doesn’t have to be a one-side-or-the-other type of argument. These two ideas can come together to strike a balance. When you are capable of doing so, improve yourself in every way possible but of course, don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers from time to time.
Family
Family can be exceptionally tricky to maneuver especially when family dynamics aren’t exactly simple: Your parents might not be getting along so well right now, your siblings always ask for favors when you’re over, or you simply get annoyed by your extended family. No matter the issue, you can always reduce your stress either in the current moment or later throughout the day. Here are a few ways to limit the stress of family:
Family
Commit to things selectively
If you can, be okay with saying no to events that you feel might stress you out too much
Make excuses if you have to (make sure to keep them reasonable)
Stand up for yourself
Be okay with saying no to favors or any other asks
Don’t let anyone push you around for something unreasonable
The key to assertiveness is confidence and respect
Reach out to someone close to you
If you need a friend to join you at a large family gathering don’t be afraid to ask
If you aren’t used to standing up for yourself, bring someone along
Learn a few breathing techniques
You may also listen to a crisis message to get you through a panic attack
Memories
Sometimes we associate seasons with particular memories in mind. These can be wonderful and joyful memories that you’ve shared with others a long time ago. These can also be terrible and horrific memories of people you’ve lost or of experiences you’ve gone through yourself. While these memories are from the past, they can feel so present at times and that makes them so much more painful. Here are some methods you can use to come to terms with these memories in a healthy way:
Memories
Celebrate your personal growth
See how far you’ve come and how much you’ve changed
Being sincere with your personal growth can help you understand and, if needed, forgive yourself for what has been done in the past
Give yourself time to reflect on the good that has happened to you
No life is pure serendipity, but allow yourself to enjoy the fond memories as well as acknowledge the memories you loath
A bad day/week/month does not mean a bad life
You can change how you respond to things
You might not be able to alter the dark feelings that initially accumulate around you but you may certainly change the way you respond to those feelings
Instead of purposely beating yourself up for what has been done in the past, accept what has been done (it cannot change now) and look towards building a better future
Seek professional help
It’s okay if you aren’t able to change yourself all alone, it’s quite difficult to do even with others. Finding professional help can guide you through the difficult times you are facing
End Notes
It’s okay if something doesn’t go to plan. The desire for perfection might seem noble at first but in reality, you are merely setting yourself up for failure. Let things slowly build up over time and always attempt to look towards the future with hope, not anxiety.
“The past is a source of knowledge and the future is a source of hope. Love of the past implies faith in the future” - Stephen Ambrose