Every New year, we hear the phrase, “New year, New Me.” It happens to be everywhere, be it social media, in ads and even in our daily conversations during the start of the year. But what if you don’t really need a “new you”? What if the focus for 2025 is simply on taking care of the you that already exists?
A research done by UAB Medicine shows that only 8% of people who set New Year’s resolutions keep and reach their goals. Instead of chasing unrealistic goals, let’s talk about some small simple steps to support your mental health. Thus for the new year, let’s choose resolutions that help us feel more at peace with who we are, while also prioritizing our mental well-being.
Understanding the Need for Mental Health Resolutions
As new year approaches, it is very common to feel a mixture of excitement and sadness. While the idea of a fresh start feels hopeful, it can also bring anxiety, stress or even a sense of New Year loneliness. This is why it is important to think about mental health resolutions as part of your new year. A 2025 resolution to take care of your mental health can make a big difference. For the year 2025, let your mental health solutions be about kindness to yourself and to others. A happier, healthier you starts with small and meaningful steps.
1. Small Steps, Big Difference
When creating your mental health resolutions for the new year, always remember that small steps matter. Instead of making big, hard to keep goals, try to focus on the little habits that improve your daily life. For instance,
- You can take 10 minutes a day to relax whether you are sitting quietly, reading or listening to music.
- You can make it a habit to check in with your feelings and give yourself space to rest when you need it.
– You can also move your body in ways that feel good, like going for a walk, stretching or dancing to your favourite song.
Small steps like these can add to real changes over time. You do not need to change overnight to make progress in 2025.
2. Dealing with New Year Loneliness
The new year can feel lonely for many people out there. After the holidays, the excitement settles down and the days become quieter. If you are feeling this way, know that you are not alone. Many people struggle with the new year loneliness. A 2022 report by NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) revealed that 66% of people reported feeling lonely during holidays, with New year’s Eve being a particularly challenging time for many people. Some ways to cope with New year Loneliness can be
– Reconnecting with someone – Just sending a simple text or calling someone can have an impact. Sometimes reaching out and asking how they are doing can help both you and them feel more connected.
– Find a community – Whether it is a local hobby group, an online community or volunteering, finding small ways to be around people can make a big difference.
– Limit your social media scrolling – You might feel like you are falling behind when you see everyone else’s perfect new year posts. Keep in mind that people are only sharing their highlights not their real struggles.
It is okay to feel lonely sometimes, but remind yourself that there are always people who care about you!
3. Make time for your Mental Health
One of the best 2025 resolutions you can make is to put your mental health first. You do not need to dedicate hours each day, just small habits can help.
- Writing a Journal – Writing down how you are feeling can help you clear your mind.
- Taking breaks – Learn to step away when you are feeling overwhelmed. A quick walk, taking deep breaths or sitting in silence can help you reset.
- Move your body – You do not need to do intense workouts, stretching, dancing to your favorite song or doing some yoga can boost your mood.
These small habits can help you take care of your mind and body throughout the year.
4. Being Kind to yourself
When it comes to mental health resolutions, it is important to note that change doesn’t happen overnight. Some days it will feel easier than the others and that is completely okay.
Give yourself some time out when things do not go as planned. If you are struggling, ask yourself
- What can I do to feel just a little bit better today?
- What do I need right now, rest, connection or some time for myself?
Being patient and kind with yourself is one of the ways to make 2025 a little brighter.
5. New year, Same you – And that is Okay
You do not need to become a “New you” to have a great year. The person you are right now is already enough. Setting mental health resolutions is not about fixing or correcting ourselves, it is about taking care of ourselves, showing up for ourselves and being kinder to ourselves everyday. It is about recognizing that we deserve to feel good, take breaks, ask for support and celebrate our small wins. For 2025, let us focus on self compassion and give importance to our well being, because we do not need to change who we are to make our 2025 meaningful.
Conclusion – Embrace the You that You are in 2025
As we step into 2025, let us remind ourselves that we do not need to become someone new to make the year meaningful. New year resolutions are not about fixing what’s broken but they are more about appreciating who we are and taking small steps to feel better one day at a time. So, as the new year begins, be kind to yourself, take time to rest, spend time with people and enjoy the little moments that make you smile.
The new year doesn’t need a “new you”, it just needs you to be cared for and appreciated. We hope you will have a blessed new year! You got this!
References
- Rocky Mountain Outlook. Rocky Mountain Outlook. Published December 14, 2024. Accessed December 17, 2024.
- Chaudhary DN. Could the most magical time of year be so full of loneliness, anger and stress? CNN. Published December 9, 2023. Accessed December 10, 2023.
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/09/health/holiday-loneliness-wellness/index.html
- NAMI. Published January 4, 2023. Accessed December 17, 2024.
https://www.nami.org/people/mental-health-resolutions-for-the-new-year/
- New Year’s Resolutions: Building Good Mental Health Habits. Samhsa.gov. Published 2023.
https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/new-years-resolution-building-good-mental-health-habits
