Ok…it’s 2022. Everyone keep calm, keep your hands to yourselves and don’t touch anything! Just be cool b’ys…be cool.

The beginning of a new year can be an exciting time for some people. “New Year, New Me“ takes over, motivation levels are super high, you start making these crazy promises to yourself and a few weeks later…boom…you’re a failure. (Disclaimer: I know there are some people who carry through their resolutions and to those people I say – Good on ya!)

It’s time to stop putting so much pressure on yourself. Most of us can’t just turn on a switch and make major lifestyle changes just like that. In fact you don’t HAVE to make any changes at all! There’s no law requiring you to make a New Year’s resolution. It’s not like there will be this huge mob of people carrying torches and pitch forks knocking at your door chanting about how terrible you are. Nothing bad will happen if you don’t make a resolution.

If you want to make a New Year’s resolution, it doesn’t have to be this big event. You can improve your life with small, realistic goals. How about adding a little reading to your daily life or set aside five minutes each day for some soothing music and deep breathing. Why not resolve to make a 5-10 minute phone call each week to family/friends that you’ve lost touch with. A resolution doesn’t even have to be for you. You could improve your pet’s life by extending their daily walk by 10 minutes or brushing their fur more often.

Oh no! New Year’s Day was two days ago! It’s too late! Excuses, excuses! If you choose to make a resolution, it doesn’t have to start on New Year’s Day. Pick a day/time that works for you. You could start after the Christmas decorations come down or maybe a week after school starts up. There’s no hurry!

A resolution shouldn’t bring on stress or anxiety. A change should be exciting…something to look forward to. Make sure it stays that way.