Re-framing the New Year
Re-framing the New Year
Written by Meagan Mullen, MA, MHC, Clinician & Community Outreach Specialist
The start of a New Year is often associated with self-improvement, and we ALL know that this often takes the form of diets, “lifestyle changes,” and other ways to control your body.
It can be hard to ignore the messages that seem even more prevalent this time of year, but we’re here to remind you that changes you make in your life don’t have to be external or physical!
We compiled a list of ways you can take care of yourself in the New Year without sacrificing your recovery, your health, or your sanity!
- Work on self-compassion. It’s easy to be your own worst enemy or critique yourself. This year, try to remember that you’re doing the best you can. Find some mantras that will help you shift negative self-talk or negative patterns of thinking. We love these ones!
- Remember that your time is precious. It’s so important to be mindful of how we spend our time. If you’re someone who needs alone time, make sure you get some, and don’t feel guilty! If you feel reenergized by spending time with friends, schedule that in! There is plenty to do in this day and age to keep ourselves busy, but say “no” to things you don’t have (or want) to do, and remember that you deserve to feel good and enjoy yourself!
- Work on your relationships if needed. Do you have a friend you’ve fallen out of touch with or a family member who you’d like to feel closer to? Take time to reach out to people you want to connect with! On the other hand, practice setting boundaries in relationships that feel toxic.
- Find a new hobby. You are a multidimensional human! You are not just an employee, a parent, a child, a student. Find things that make you smile and take your brain off of diet culture or your eating disorder. Try to find that inner joy and be gentle with yourself as you do!
- Find other ways to focus on your health. Health is more than your weight, shape, or the physical aspects that are so often focused on! Take care of your mental health, emotional health, spiritual health. Reach out when you need support, find ways to rest. If you feel inclined to consider your physical health this year, read more about intuitive eating or joyful movement.
Need more support this year? MEDA is here to help! Call us at (617)558-1881 or email us at info@medainc.org
