The new year can be a time of renewal, but for most people there is also at least some element of stress.
Stress may come from
- being very busy,
- juggling priorities,
- stressful interactions with other people,
- being apart from significant others,
- reflecting on difficult events of the year,
- troubled relationships,
- disappointments,
- unmet goals or resolutions,
- imminent changes for the year ahead.
In the stress, it is important to find some moments of value and encouragement, even if small. These might include:
- welcoming caring gestures or comments from other people
- reminiscing on special memories
- being present in moments with special people
- noticing achievements, even if small
- taking time to appreciate nature, circumstances or people.
Remember as well as having a “New Year”, every day is also “new” and a time to think again about priorities.