Thriving in 2024: Key Mental Health Questions to Guide Your New Year's Resolutions
Happy January folks! As we enter into a new year, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on our previous year and set our sights on the future. The new year can feel exciting and motivating and also a bit intimidating. There's this tension of whether or not to make new year's resolutions and it can be daunting trying to figure out what's best for you.

Let's explore together how to reflect well on the last year while giving ourselves time and space to consider what we'd like to change in 2025.
Reflect on the past year - When you think about 2024, what comes up for you? Are their any markers of the year that really stick out in your mind? Maybe a life transition? Take the time to acknowledge both the accomplishments and challenges that the last year held. This reflection not only fosters gratitude, but also provides clarity for areas of focus in the new year.
Consider areas of growth - Identify where you've stretched your abilities and where you've faced new challenges. This might include personal skills, emotional resilience, or even deepening relationships with others. Maybe this looks like connecting with a counselor as as well. Counseling can be a great place to process as well as identify areas or patterns in your life that you'd like to change. Reflect on these areas as you build upon them in the coming year.
Nurturing relationships - Nurturing relationships with others requires intentional effort, communication, attention and a willingness to invest in the people around you. What connections have been the most meaningful to you in the last year? Consider how you'd like to show up for your people. What would that look like to show appreciation, deepen trust, and create more meaningful interactions?
Prioritize self compassion - What is self compassion? Self compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and patience that you would offer to a close friend in times of struggle. Rather than harshly judging yourself for mistakes, self compassion allows you to acknowledge your challenges with empathy and acceptance. You are worthy of care and support, even when you feel like you've fallen short of your expectations. Learn to embrace your imperfections while giving yourself the space to learn and grow.
Give yourself permission to rest and relax without guilt - Reflect on your self care practices. Living in a culture that is quick to glorify busyness and productivity, it can be challenging to prioritize rest without feeling like you're falling behind or being unproductive. Rest can also be difficult if you find that you have an overactive or anxious mind. Leaning into your coping skills can be an integral part of setting yourself up for rest. True self care involves nurturing both your mind and body. Rest is a necessary part of maintaining balance and it's not something you have to earn. When you give yourself the space to rest, you create opportunities for rejuvenation, creativity and overall better emotional health.
As we step into 2025, let's all care for ourselves more deeply and more wholly. Consider questions like, "What brings me peace?" or "What drains my energy?" Take time to consider what it would look like for you to flourish in this new year.
Flourishing might mean embracing growth, getting to know yourself better, and shaping a life that truly reflects your values, passions, and dreams. Sending love and positivity your way as your embark on this journey!
If you would like to invite a counselor to join you this 2025 as you embark in the new year with hope for a future you desire, our incredible team of therapists would love to support! Reach out to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation.
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