I have certainly been feeling the New Year blues – both mourning the loss of 2022 and struggling the accept that a new year has begun. It is terrifying! However, as I start to overcome this, it seems necessary to share the steps I took towards this so you too can shake away the New Year blues.
My top remedy for healing the New Year blues is a focus on wellness. If you make New Year’s resolutions putting your wellness first should be your priority. Mental and physical health are the most important aspects of your life. If this was not your main priority prior to the beginning of 2023, it may be time to start thinking about whether you need a bit of self-care. The best way to tackle this is doing things you enjoy. If you don’t want to go out, don’t go out. If you want a takeaway, have a takeaway. The only way to maintain happiness and positivity is to do things you want to do. Obviously, such approaches should be taken in moderation and not at a detrimental cost to your academic life, but there is space for balance between the two. For me, falling behind on university work causes stress and hence keeping on top of deadlines is less anxiety-inducing. Physical health is also important so maybe try some different sports, go on walks or try yoga or meditation. Any way in which you are moving your body you will feel better, and I truly believe there is a form of exercise suited to everyone (I personally enjoy swimming in the sea).
I lacked motivation for studying, socialisation and everything else at the start of this year. Motivation is hard to gain and also very easy to lose. I often lose motivation at the start of the year because I put too much pressure on myself to achieve certain goals and tend to feel overwhelmed. The best way I have dealt with this so far is to cut myself some slack and accept that I am doing the best I can. For example, instead of telling myself ‘I must work out five days a week’, I simply tell myself that ‘I would like to be more active this year.’ Setting yourself forgiving and attainable goals makes you more motivated and productive as it loosens expectations and gives you flexibility. Entering a new year with few expectations has increased my productivity as well as me feeling more positive in general.
For me, the start of a new term brought a fresh wave of homesickness. Homesickness is not unusual however it is always worst when you are trying to establish a routine again. After spending a long period of time with family, it can be hard to readjust, especially if like me, you live alone at uni. The best way to tackle this is to establish a routine ASAP. I like to plan my days and week in advance, so I do not get overwhelmed and lost. It is also important to keep in touch with friends and family to prevent loneliness.
A case of the New Year blues is not something to fear or get you down. These three areas should help you have a more positive mindset and overcome most of the challenges you are facing. The most important thing is to accept and acknowledge how you are feeling and understand how to overcome it. Remember. you are not alone and most of us put too much pressure on ourselves to transform into a new person overnight which is not realistic. Just move at your own pace and hopefully you will begin to feel better.