Healthy relationships: Set goals, not resolutions, for the new year

Let’s just say it — we have all fallen into traps of New Year’s resolutions. At least for me resolutions have fallen aside when life gets busy ... or when life gets in the way. So instead of setting resolutions and then feeling sad when I don’t fulfill said resolutions, I’ve decided to enter 2023 with a reframe. Let’s put resolutions aside in favor of goals for the year. My big goal? Embrace the magic of self-care and help others care for themselves and others.

At Centre Safe we support victims and survivors of violence, including those impacted by sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, and stalking. What can we do at Centre Safe to care for our clients and to also remember to care for ourselves? How do we all believe the best in one another and not assume the worst? How do we first care for ourselves so we can better care for others?

Let’s see what we can come up with:

1. Reassess your current routine

Routines can be helpful, especially when it comes to managing your sleep cycle, eating habits and exercise. All of these are vital for your body to feel nourished and energized, helping to reduce the risk of developing illness and boosting your mental health. Remember to spot those red flags with routines. If a routine or schedule has you feeling more stressed, negative about yourself, or feeling the pressure in unhealthy ways, take a break and reassess. Consider talking with someone who can help you organize tasks or goals in ways that leave you feeling refreshed and uplifted instead of burned out and negative about life.

2. Embrace the power of “no”

When you are worried about letting someone down or upsetting someone, it can be difficult to say no to requests for help or social engagements. If you are feeling the need for some downtime at home after a long week at work, don’t feel guilty for turning down invitations for a night out. Equally, if you are feeling overwhelmed at work, it’s important that you communicate this to your supervisor. Being honest about your limitations can allow colleagues to respect your boundaries, set appropriate boundaries for the workplace, and support you in what you need.

3. Spend more time in nature

Have you noticed if you feel more at peace when you’re breathing in the fresh air and marveling at the beautiful landscapes surrounding you? Consider regular escapes into nature, even if you just have a few minutes to go for a walk or find peace in the wind blowing through the trees. Choosing to go on a hike with friends or alone can allow you to enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors, as well as fit in some additional exercise during the week. You could even look at introducing more plant life into your living/work spaces, which could help to improve air quality and bring some of the great outdoors into your indoor spaces.

4. Make time for mindfulness

In 2023, try to pay attention to your mental health and think about how you can make improvements for a more positive mindset. Mind you this is different than having toxic positivity where you force positivity into every situation. Consider attending therapy sessions, particularly if there are issues that have been playing a lot on your mind recently. Journaling and arts and crafts are other tools to help you process your thoughts and feelings in a safe space.

5. Strive for new experiences

Trying new things is a great way to discover new interests and learn more about yourself. Push yourself to have these new experiences in 2023, whether that is experimenting with some new healthy recipes that you can incorporate into your weekly meals or a form of exercise you truly enjoy doing. Set yourself a challenge you have always wanted to do but never got around to it. New experiences can boost your mental health and may even encourage you to empower yourself in others in ways you never thought possible.

Whether you follow the tips included or think of your own, know you never have to map out 2023 alone or figure life out without the support of others. Remember, you are always able to reach a Centre Safe advocate 24/7 by calling toll-free 1-877-234-5050. You can also visit Centre Safe online at www.centresafe.org. We are here for you!

This story was originally published January 1, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Healthy relationships: Set goals, not resolutions, for the new year."