As a counsellor in West London, I've witnessed how the tradition of setting New Year's resolutions can sometimes have a detrimental impact on our mental health. While it's natural to want to embrace the fresh start that a new year brings, we often approach resolutions in ways that can lead to unnecessary stress, disappointment, and even harm to our self-esteem. In this blog, we'll explore why New Year's resolutions can be unhelpful for mental health and offer an alternative approach to setting goals for 2024.

Why New Year's Resolutions Can Be Detrimental to Mental Health

1. Shame-Based Motivation: Many resolutions are rooted in shame-based motivation. Common goals include losing weight and quitting unhealthy habits, but when we approach change from a place of shame, it sets us up for failure. Shame is not a sustainable motivator and can erode our self-esteem.
2. Peer Pressure: Often, we feel compelled to set resolutions due to tradition and peer pressure, even if we may not genuinely want or feel ready to make certain changes. Instead of waiting for the new year to improve our lives, we should prioritise changes when we're motivated by our own desires for self-improvement.
3. Daunting Resolutions: People often set resolutions that are overly ambitious, making success challenging to achieve. Grand goals can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism if we falter along the way. Smaller, more achievable goals are often a more realistic and manageable path to change.
4. Encouraging Negative Changes: New Year's resolutions frequently emphasise negative and harmful changes over positive ones. Diet culture and weight loss for cosmetic reasons are prevalent during this time, promoting unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and exercise.

A Healthier Approach to Setting Goals for 2024

If you decide to set goals for the new year, practice self-compassion. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of change, and it's okay to forgive yourself and continue trying. Change takes time, and studies suggest it can take around 10 weeks to form new habits.

Reframe your resolutions from negative to positive. Instead of saying "I have to" or "I must," use language like "I get to" or "I will try." This shift in language transforms resolutions from demands into opportunities and helps eliminate the fear of failure.

Make sure your resolutions prioritise not just physical but also mental health. Promote positive changes that contribute to your overall well-being. Remember that practising good mental health requires self-compassion, positivity, and patience.

As you contemplate making changes for the upcoming year, keep in mind the importance of nurturing your mental well-being. If you'd like guidance or support on your path to mental wellness and personal growth, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can explore strategies and practices that foster a healthier and happier you. Your journey toward a fulfilling life starts now.