Resolutions are the decision to do something. At the beginning of each year, we make resolutions to be happier or become the best versions of ourselves. Unfortunately, most of us give up on a few of our goals when the going gets tough.
New Year’s resolutions regarding your mental health should never be sacrificed. However, do goals too big that we meet can backfire and harm our well-being. So, be careful when crafting them. Here are the eight best New Year’s resolutions to help you manage your anxiety.
8 New Year’s resolutions you can stick to
Resolutions need not be sweeping statements of action. They should be living concepts that you can modify and adjust as needed. Always remember to act with self-compassion. Your goals should be made to help you live a happier life, not to force you to ignore your situation.
1. Accept your anxiety
Can we stop feeling bad have anxiety in 2023? Although it’s normal to feel embarrassed about being anxious, it doesn’t have to be. Trying to hide your anxiety will only make things worse. Adopting it is one of the best things you can do to meet your needs.
Accepting your anxiety means doing what works best for you and not worrying about how it looks. When you accepted that you are to experience anxiety, you can choose how you approach it. You can practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce anxiety symptoms at the time.
You can also track your progress with mental health apps that offer educational content and daily checkups.
2. Talk about it
Once you learn to accept and accept your anxiety, it will be easier for you to talk about it with others. Not only does talking about your anxiety help remove any stigma, it’s also important for the health of your relationships. The people around you should know your triggersyour comfort zones and when you need help.
Your anxiety must be something you can talk with people. It will be easier for you to ask for help when needed.
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3. Compliment yourself
It’s easy to get down on yourself when you feel anxious, especially if your anxiety is getting in the way of things in your life. Get into the habit in the New Year of complimenting yourself more often. Maybe it’s something small, like the cute shirt you’re wearing, or something more substantial, like to congratulate to navigate a difficult situation.
It is a small personal care part it will go far. Celebrate your victories help you reframe automatic negative thinking and see the positive side.
4. Prioritize sleep
This one might have already been on your list, but sleep is even more important for anxious people. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. It’s a catch-22 – sometimes anxiety is the thing that keeps you awakebut not getting enough sleep will make your anxiety worse.
Simple tips to improve your sleep in the new year:
- Reduce coffee: Coffee can affect your ability to sleep and make you more anxious. A good rule is to stop drinking coffee at least six hours before bedtime.
- Set a regular bedtime and stick to it: Our body operates on a sleep-wake cycle called the circadian rhythm. Sticking to a regular bedtime routine is the best way to keep your circadian rhythm in check.
- Use natural remedies: If you have trouble sleeping, try night tea to help you relax. You can also try teas for anxiety and stress to calm your nerves.
5. Declutter your home
Why save your cleaning for spring when you can do it now and see tangible improvements in your mental health? Living in a cluttered space can make hard to concentrate and increase stress. A study found that women who lived in messy homes had higher cortisol levels than those who were organized.
You don’t have to do it immediately transform your home in a minimalist dream. Instead, set smaller goals that will contribute to the larger goal of declutter your home. Start with the rooms you spend the most time in and move out.
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6. Regular Exercise
Physical movement is an essential part of managing anxiety. Exercise can help you combat stressors, navigate emotions and decrease anxiety. Basically you can use exercise as an outlet for stress. Making exercise a weekly goal is a great New Year’s resolution for 2023.
It doesn’t have to be a full gym routine with weights and fancy machines. You don’t need to go to the gym if it triggers your anxiety. You can train at home or make regular walking part of your routine. Remember to make your resolutions realistic and progress to more rigorous exercises if that is your end goal.
7. Overcome something that scares you.
For some people, anxiety keeps them from achieving desired goals. A long-term New Year’s resolution for 2023 may be to find something you can overcome. For example, speaking in public or flying in an airplane. The idea is to choose one thing that worries you and try to overcome it.
You don’t have to jump in headfirst; make a plan for how you are going to deal with it. Slowly get out of your comfort zone trying new things to build for the big one. Be sure to equip yourself with coping strategies to deal with stressto like logging your feelings.
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8. Go to therapy
If your anxiety is affecting your ability to function by affecting your work, habits, or relationships, you may want to consider seeking therapy in 2023. This is an important step on your wellness journey. Give yourself a round of applause.
Knowing where to start can take time and effort. Fortunately, there are many therapeutic resources. You may want to meet with a therapist in a traditional in-person session. Or you can feel more comfortable do therapy online by a service such as Discussion area or BetterHelp. There’s no wrong way to do it.
Build steps into your resolution where you address therapy costs and find the good therapist for your needs. There is more to going to therapy than just going there. If you follow these steps early, you’ll be less likely to get discouraged and stick with them.
Read more: 8 Affordable Treatment Options That Don’t Require Insurance
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical or health advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
