I am CANCELING New Year’s Resolutions. Creating a list of what you’re not taking with you into 2025 is a powerful way to set boundaries and prioritize your mental health. It’s about letting go of things that no longer serve you, whether they are habits, thoughts, relationships, or external pressures. Here’s a way I am freaming my mental health resolutions:
1. Self-Criticism and Perfectionism
- What I’m letting go of: Constantly striving for perfection and being overly critical of myself when I don’t meet impossible standards.
- Why: This only leads to burnout, feelings of inadequacy, and anxiety. I am enough just as I am, and it’s okay to make mistakes or not have everything figured out.
- How I’ll replace it: Embrace self-compassion, progress over perfection, and the idea that growth is messy.
2. Unnecessary People-Pleasing
- What I’m letting go of: The need to say “yes” to everything and everyone, even when it compromises my time, energy, and mental health.
- Why: People-pleasing drains my emotional resources and leaves me feeling resentful or overwhelmed.
- How I’ll replace it: Setting healthy boundaries and learning to say “no” when it’s necessary to protect my peace.
3. Toxic Relationships
- What I’m letting go of: Relationships that are draining, manipulative, or consistently make me feel less than.
- Why: Being around people who don’t uplift me or who undermine my sense of self-worth affects my mental health.
- How I’ll replace it: Cultivating relationships with people who are supportive, loving, and respect my boundaries.
4. Negative Self-Talk
- What I’m letting go of: The internal narrative that tells me I’m not good enough or that I don’t deserve peace and happiness.
- Why: Negative self-talk diminishes my self-esteem and makes it harder to see my value.
- How I’ll replace it: Replacing self-criticism with affirmations, gratitude, and a more realistic, kind internal dialogue.
5. Perfectionist Standards for Rest
- What I’m letting go of: The belief that I have to “earn” rest or relaxation, or that I should feel guilty for taking time off.
- Why: Rest is essential for mental and physical well-being. Overworking or pushing through fatigue leads to burnout.
- How I’ll replace it: Prioritizing rest as an integral part of my productivity and well-being.
6. Unrealistic Expectations of Myself
- What I’m letting go of: The need to be constantly productive or to juggle everything at once.
- Why: Setting unrealistic expectations leads to stress, feelings of inadequacy, and burnout.
- How I’ll replace it: Setting achievable goals, celebrating small wins, and understanding that I can’t do everything at once.
7. Fear of Change
- What I’m letting go of: The fear or resistance to change that keeps me stuck in unhealthy patterns or situations.
- Why: Staying stuck out of fear prevents me from growing and evolving.
- How I’ll replace it: Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Cultivating a mindset of flexibility and adaptability.
8. Overthinking
- What I’m letting go of: Overanalyzing every situation or decision to the point of paralysis.
- Why: Overthinking creates unnecessary stress and anxiety, making it harder to take action or enjoy life.
- How I’ll replace it: Trusting my intuition, accepting uncertainty, and practicing mindfulness to stay in the present moment.
9. Social Media Comparisons
- What I’m letting go of: The habit of comparing my life, progress, or accomplishments to those I see online.
- Why: Social media can distort reality, making me feel like I’m falling behind or missing out.
- How I’ll replace it: Taking regular breaks from social media and focusing on my own journey, celebrating my unique path without comparison.
10. The Fear of Asking for Help
- What I’m letting go of: The belief that I must do everything on my own, and that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
- Why: Not asking for help can lead to isolation, stress, and burnout.
- How I’ll replace it: Reaching out for support when needed, whether it’s from friends, family, or professionals.
By making these mental health resolutions, you’re not only giving yourself the space to grow and heal, but you’re also acknowledging that you deserve to prioritize your well-being. What are some things you’re specifically ready to leave behind in 2025?
Author: Mile High Mamas
