
As we exit the 1st of January and enter back into the routines of our lives, some of us may still be reeling from the after effects of socialising and feasting too much, over-stimulation from elaborate new year celebrations, and being in the dreamy state of not knowing which day of the week it is.
But while everyone else is riding on that lingering high from the new year, the start of the year can be a tough time for others. Like everyone else, you probably think of going back to work as a chore rather than something you look forward to. However, some of us may feel that even more strongly, ranging from feeling panic and dread, to anxiety and depression.
There are a couple of common reasons why some people find the new year particularly challenging. Let’s explore some of these and learn to be sensitive to those who may be struggling with them!
Pressure from work
Most people dread going back to work after the holidays. I mean, who wouldn’t? From having the freedom to travel, hang out with friends and family, and just do the things you love – now you are back to a 9 to 5 routine, subject to the demands of bosses and clients, and little time for yourself.
For people who have experienced signs of burnout and are dreading going back to work, consider how you can make the situation better for yourself. You can work with a mental health therapist to explore anxiety management techniques like deep breathing or journaling, and make sure to schedule time for self-care throughout your work day and week. If work is a major cause of anxiety for you, this may also be a time to explore ways to make changes (e.g. requesting to transfer to a new department, or make a career switch) to find something that better aligns with your passion and comfort level.
Pressure to compare
“New year, new me” is a mantra that is plastered everywhere on social media during the new year, along with people sharing their lofty plans to do revolutionary things in the coming year. It’s hard to ignore people who have shared their achievements from the last year and all the amazing things they vow to accomplish this year. But this can also breed resentment and insecurities in people who can’t help comparing themselves to the picture-perfect scenes online.
But we have to realise that not everyone is equally ambitious, and not everyone achieves ‘success’ in the same way. Every person is on their own journey and timeline. For one person, having a peaceful year with good health is an accomplishment. To another person, settling down with their partner and renting a place together is a milestone. Instead of getting jealous over what other people are achieving, think about what is important to you and what personal wins you have achieved.
Pressure on self to achieve things
Sometimes, the pressure also comes from oneself wanting to achieve ambitious goals. But that can quickly come tumbling down as you realise your goal is so far away, and you are not making any good progress.
One way to reduce the pressure on yourself is to make more manageable goals. Instead of a year-long goal, break it up into shorter milestones that you can track. Instead of an ambitious target, start with a small habit that can get you there.
Additionally, it’s important to realise that you can start anytime. The New Year may be a good time for a fresh start – but it is after all just another time of the year. Even if you failed to start in January, you can still go back to it in February, or start later when you feel ready.
Conclusion
The new year comes with fresh challenges as well as opportunities. Being a great time to start a new habit, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety for many. Let’s be kind to one another and be compassionate to those who may be having a hard time at the start of the year!
If you are personally facing difficult feelings in this time, we also welcome you to have a chat with our friendly counsellors here at our counselling centre in Thomson. We will work through the issues systematically with you and guide you towards more clarity and peace with yourself. Simply drop us a message on our booking form and we will get back to you as soon as we can!