Wednesday

"Every day brings opportunity my way."

Happy Wednesday, and welcome to the start of a new year! In today’s newsletter:

• Discover the “fresh start effect” in the new year

• Alternatives to bold new year resolutions

• How to take control of your year

• Fresh mindsets to embrace in the new year

What to Know About the “Fresh Start Effect” in the New Year

The new year often marks a significant milestone — in both our day-to-day lives and in the greater picture.

This start of a new calendar year also inspires many people to make changes across their work, personal life, and other areas! If the new year inspires you to start a new chapter, you’re not alone — researchers actually call this phenomenon the “fresh start effect.”

Many of us are motivated to make a change in our habits or behaviors in line with a “temporal mark” — or a significant point in time.

The new year isn’t the only temporal landmark, however. For many of us, it could be a birthday, an important life milestone or event (marriage, birth of a child, etc.), a holiday, or something else.

These points in time — especially the new year — may act as a natural separation for our brains, inspiring us to take new actions and make change.

The new year often brings with it ideas of how we can embrace this change into other areas of our lives.

Check in with yourself and ask yourself what you love in your life, and what areas where you may want to see something different!

If you feel motivated to take action and bring newness to your life — whether it’s learning a new skill, doing a weekly hobby, or simply staying in touch with family more frequently — ask what that would ideally look like for you. And embrace this “fresh start effect”!

An Argument for Not Starting Grandioise New Year Resolutions

As we feel the “fresh start effect” and the inspiration that comes with entering a new year, many of us feel pressured to overhaul our lives with grandiose resolutions.

From changing our movement and eating habits to waking up hours earlier to jumping headfirst into a career change, we may feel pressure to make significant shifts — especially if we see others doing the same.

However, experts say that making smaller, holistic shifts can be a better way to embrace the energy of “newness” that the start of a new calendar year brings.

Nikki Harmon, therapist and owner of The Family Therapy Clinic, likened the way many people approach resolutions to one that “burns hot” and fast — and it’s often an “all or nothing” mindset. Just like with anything, this can cause us to burn out, feeling worse than before we started.

Instead, experts say it can be helpful to shift your resolutions to:

• Be holistic: Rather than focusing on one specific behavior, think of your values and what it would look like to live more in line with them.

• Be goals, not rules: Think of things you’d like to do — rather than things you feel like you should or have to do.

• Start small: If you want to use your phone less, maybe you can begin by limiting your screen time on specific apps. Suddenly deleting all your accounts may be a bigger shift than you’re ready for. However, working your way up to less screen time over time can be a great way to build holistic, lasting habits.

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with making bold changes in the new year, making shifts in a way that’s gentle to yourself and gets you excited can make it a more enjoyable experience!

2025 Is Your Next Chapter. How Do You Want to Fill It?

The new year doesn’t have to be about overwhelming resolutions or unrealistic goals. Instead, it’s an opportunity to create a chapter you love—on your own terms. BetterHelp makes therapy convenient, accessible, and personalized to help you focus on what truly matters. BetterHelp connects you with one of 30,000+ licensed therapists from a diverse network, and you can switch anytime at no extra cost if it’s not the right fit. Whether it’s tackling anxiety, navigating relationships, or finding balance, you’ll get 30% off your first three months of therapy and can even use your FSA funds to invest in yourself. Start writing the life story you deserve—BetterHelp is just a click away.

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

New Mindsets to Adopt in the New Year

Instead of leaning into resolutions that change our habits, it can be helpful to adopt mindsets that can holistically benefit your physical and mental health!

1. Body neutrality: This perspective can be super helpful and empower us to connect our minds with our physical selves. By focusing on all the wonderful things our bodies can do for us, this can help us feel more comfortable.

2. Self-compassion: The saying “we are our own worst critics” can ring true. Give yourself grace and practice being kinder to yourself.

3. Open-mindedness: When possible, try to take a step back and look at situations from a different perspective. Taking a moment to pause can help us look at things through a different lens.

4. Curiosity: Ask questions — at work, with friends, and in all areas of your life! This can spark new ideas and help us learn so much.

5. Self-prioritization: Focusing on yourself is not selfish. It’s critical for self-care! Set boundaries and put yourself first.

6. Gratitude: Take a few moments each day to find something — or a few things — you’re grateful! This can really help shift how we view the world around us.

Ask yourself how you can practice self-care this new year with mindsets that make you feel your best — inside and out!

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year's resolutions, some 4,000 years ago.

• 🎁 Our Holiday Self-Care Picks: Don’t forget to check out our 2024 gift guide, a collection of thoughtful, wellness-focused products that help you feel your best, inside and out. Shop our gift guide here!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: While we may feel pressure to make big resolutions, finding small ways to shift our mindset may be more helpful — and impactful — long-term.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!