Healthy Habits & A Happy New Year

The new year can be an exciting turning point which happens each and every year of life. For many, this is a time to reflect upon goals and milestones of achievement desired in the next year.  The reflection of happy and healthy memories with family and friends can be motivation and encouragement for the coming year and the continued journey of life. However, for some,  the new year brings more somber emotions and may be accompanied by the reflection of adversity, disappointment, and hardship which may have occurred in that year of life. Nearly 50% of the United States population takes time in the new year to create “resolutions.” A resolution is the decision to do or not do a specific action or behavior. 

Although encouraging to create, unfortunately, many find making resolutions to be the first failure of the year with only 9% report being successful in their self-goals. While reasons for an individual’s inability to maintain resolutions may vary from person to person, generally, many report the following to be the most impactful in their inability to succeed in resolutions for the new year:

• Unrealistic expectations
• Not tracking progress
• Forgetting about their resolutions
• Making too many resolutions

So, what can you do for yourself to support a healthy and happy 2022? First and foremost, instead of setting an unrealistic goal, recognize that each and every day is an opportunity to make healthy and lasting change. If you make a mistake or struggle to make a specific change, don’t give up! Restructure your idea and allow yourself the grace to understand that lasting change takes time and dedication. 

Don’t get sucked into societal pressures to begin the New Year with things such as a new diet, exercise regimen, or fasting technique; but rather, take into consideration the healthy habits which can benefit your overall physical and mental health. 

1. Make small and meaningful changes. Focus on one small step at a time dedicating 4-6 weeks to developing one desired area. 
2. Make time for things you truly enjoy. By prioritizing yourself and engaging in activities you enjoy it can actually repel negative emotions which accompany stress and the feeling of overwhelm. 
3. Build relationships. Taking time to invest in yourself and your relationships with others creates lasting change in your support system. Strong relationships and partnership can tackle more difficult tasks through companionship and the “buddy system.” 
4. Practice gratitude! Reflect or document the things (big or small) that you appreciate in your daily life and activities. 

Written By: Bridget Kleitsch, MS, CCTP, tLMHC

Therapy Manager and Therapist

Because Life is All About Connections

Life Connections provides in-home Behavioral Health Intervention services, Therapy services, autism (ABA) services and Children’s Mental Health waiver services in our 13 office locations and approved schools across Iowa. Life Connections was founded in March of 2009 with the intent to serve the children and families of Cedar Rapids and surrounding cities.

Life Connections is a highly professional and caring counseling and behavioral health provider. We offer a wide array of services to treat mental health issues including Applied Behavior Analysis Services,  Behavioral Health Intervention Services, mental health therapy, school-based therapy programs, and substance use treatment.

For more information, please call 319-409-6922.

Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255

• Crisis Text line text to 741741
• The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ young adult community 866-488-7386

• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network 800-656-4673