The last two months of the year can represent a time of indulgence. Families and friends will gather more often, eat and drink more, and in many cases, spend more money. During the holiday season, worries will be put to one side. Even workplaces become more festive with the distractions of the coming season.

However, around mid-December until those days before the 31^st, many people will begin to think about New Year’s resolutions. Despite the diverse ways that people celebrate the holidays around the world, New Year’s resolutions are for some a universal custom. It is an old tradition that helps us to think about new beginnings such as where we want to go in the coming year, and what we hope to accomplish. Furthermore, this upcoming New Year for some will be particularly exciting, as we enter a new decade. It can be the ultimate symbol of not only turning the page to a new year, but also the beginning of a whole new chapter. Leaving the past decade behind can give a sense of relief or hopeful anticipation of better things to come.

Subsequently, it's normal to get caught up in the indulgences and the promises to ourselves that we will get back to our routine in January. However, have you thought of how motivated and how goodyou would feel if you could get a little head start on your new year? Getting started on things early, whether it’s putting up holiday decorations, joining a gym,  starting to juice more or addressing your self-care can put you in good stead. Our fast-paced society values getting ahead, being proactive and creating plans. So, why not apply this to your self-development plans for the New Year?

If you still aren’t convinced to get into your self-care strategies now rather than waiting until January 2020, consider this: Beginning anything new in January can be risky; kind of a chore; and for some individuals there is very little pleasure involved. After the festivities of the holidays many people experience post-holiday blues,  leading to an overall lack of motivation.

Nevertheless, it’s not uncommon for New Year’s resolutions to be forgotten long before end of January. However, starting on healthy self-care and self-development strategies now can get you on the right track towards good habits. Equally, they can support you ahead of the winter blues kicking in. In addition to this, although the holidays are an exciting time of year, this time of the year can be considered stressful. 

This is yet another reason why getting involved in your self-development may be exactly what you need.  If you’re not sure where to start, consider getting motivated with the help of a therapist. https://www.psychotherapy.org....

Starting psychotherapy this time of year is an excellent way to get you on the right track and prepared before everyone else starts to think and plan their new year.  

The point is not to be the first one getting to the finish line, but instead, it’s about ensuring that your hopes; dreams; desires for the new year come to fruition with the commitment and dedication you put in. Self-development is at the forefront of goal achievement but rarely is this process a solitary one. Contact your therapist or consider starting therapy if you have never tried it. Give yourself a chance to reflect on the past year, and most importantly set your sights on the new opportunities and experiences to come.

Samantha Carbon
samanthacarbon@yahoo.co.uk
Psychotherapist - MSc Psych, PTSTA (P), CTA (P), UKCP, MBACP
Clinical Supervisor
Mobile: 07938435233
www.bakerstreettherapy.com
www.samanthacarbontherapy.co.u...