New Years Resolutions: Dreams, goals and habits

The idea of new year’s resolutions goes all the way back to the ancient Babylonians. They would make promises to their gods at the beginning of their new year. And it seems like the idea has stuck. Four thousand years later, our promises and commitments of how we’re going to change still tends to dominate the conversation at parties this time of year.

However, does it work? How often do we stick with our new year’s resolutions? For most of us, its pretty hit and miss at best. Maybe this year, instead of focusing on a new year’s resolution, you can focus on dreams, goals and habits instead.

Reduce Stress Just in Time for 2016

January is seen by many as a time to turn over a new leaf. People feel inspired by the blank slate of the new year to make resolutions they hope will bring them change and new chances for happiness. New Year’s resolutions usually focus on weight, feeling healthier, and growing bank accounts. While all of those are important, the new year can also be a perfect time to feel better by finding ways to reduce stress in your life.

Relationship Resolutions for the New Year

Here we are in a new year! It’s a time for reflecting on the past year and thinking about what you’d like to accomplish in the coming months. I suggest every couple not only make individual resolutions but specifically relationship resolutions. Relationships so often go malnourished due to everyday stressors that life brings. Unhealthy communication patterns, unresolved issues, or a lack of quality time in a relationship can quickly have a negative emotional impact on each individual. Symptoms may include depression, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal, changes in weight and sleep habits. It’s important to make each other a priority to maintain a healthy, nourished relationship.

The New Year Experience

There’s something invigorating about the New Year. Many of us have this sense of a “clean slate,” the turning of a page, a new opportunity, fresh air. Whether you set a New Year’s resolution (like 45% of Americans) or not, I think most of us would agree many times there is some sort of a relief when one year comes to a close and a new year begins.

What Not to Do During the Holidays!

Even though the Christmas carols praised the winter as “the most wonderful time of the year”, the truth is that the holidays can be beyond stressful! It is the time of year of parties, over-commitment, sugar-rushes, family conflict, and a departure from the regular daily routine. All of these can add up to a pretty hectic time of year.

The Holidays: Managing Your Expectations

The holidays tend to come with a lot of extra hype, performance pressure, and expectations. One tool that can help family members enjoy vacations, holidays, and special events is setting realistic expectations ahead of time. Here are a few questions that can help guide that conversation.

Holiday Traditions

Every family has traditions. From the way a family passes out presents, what the family eats on holiday mornings,  or even celebrating a religious tradition, these traditions flow through our holidays.  As children grow, move out of the house and even start their own core families, deciding which traditions to take from generation to generation is up to the children.