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31st December 2024
11:05am GMT
While many try to make drastic changes in January, mental health charity Turn2Me says we should instead focus on small, achievable changes rather than overhauls.
The charity recommends setting realistic goals to avoid disappointment and encourages people to consider starting something new instead of giving something up.
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, spoke on RTE’s DriveTime and said it’s easy to get caught up in extreme resolutions like crash diets or intense fitness regimens.
“People often associate New Year’s with resolutions, such as weight loss or going on an extreme detox,” she said.
“Instead of setting lots of unrealistic New Year’s resolutions, which often lead to disappointment if they can’t be maintained, it might be better to set a smaller number of realistic goals, which can be more achievable.”
O’Malley used exercise as an example.
“If you rarely exercise and your New Year’s resolution is to run a 5K every day, that might not be realistic.
“You could end up injured from pushing yourself too hard, which might mean longer periods out of action.
“A better goal could be to jog two or three times a week - it’s more sustainable.”
She warns that unrealistic goals can lead to a sense of failure, which might discourage people from setting future goals.
“This feeling of failure can deter people from setting future goals,” O’Malley explained.
“It’s easier to make small, consistent changes than drastic or transformative ones.”
Turn2Me also highlights the benefits of new experiences over restrictive resolutions.
“We would encourage people to consider, instead of giving something up, starting something new,” O’Malley says. “Join a choir, a book club, or a hiking group.
“Or think about signing up for a part-time course - these can lead to new friendships.”
She added that making new friends as an adult can be challenging, and loneliness often creeps in as people get older, so pursuing new hobbies or interests can help combat that.
Above all, O’Malley emphasises the importance of being kind to yourself as you work toward your goals.
“New Year’s is a good time for new beginnings,” she says. “It doesn’t have to mean extreme diets or complete lifestyle changes.
“Don’t set yourself up for failure. Embrace setbacks and aim for progress, not perfection.”
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