Mental Mondays: End Of Year Anxiety And How Not To Fall Into Its Trap

2021 came and settled in after the fireworks and enthusiasm of the new year. Naturally, what followed suit was a set of goals mapped out to achieve.

The year is figuratively saying its last prayers, readying itself to rest in our past and our memories forever. While it’s a thing of joy to witness the end, anxiety easily creeps in, especially when we have unmet goals sitting pretty on our new year resolution list. What do you do? Relax, enjoy the season, and try again next year? Or beat yourself up until anxiety steals the festivity from you?

Here are a few ways to beat end of year anxiety in its own game…

#1. Draw up a gratitude list

This would require a lot of quiet time and reflection as you journey back into the year in your mind’s eye, digging up the small and big wins of the year and writing them out. It would come as a pleasant surprise to you about the good happenings you chose to ignore. The songwriter said; “count your blessings and name them one by one, and it would surprise you what the Lord has done…” Whether you’re religious or not, gratitude is a healthy lifestyle you should adopt even for your mental health. Going forward, consider owning a journal where you document every win — no matter how small — and at the end of the year when you go through it, gratefulness would definitely erupt from your pores.

#2. Review your resolutions/goals

One of the boldest steps towards growth is facing your fears head-on and keeping them out of the way to your success. Now’s a great time to take a step back and look at the goals you had set for this year, and then run them through the SMART test. Honestly, many goals are not met because they weren’t strong enough from the beginning. By using the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely), you can make smarter goals that are likely to get ticked off. This will also come in handy when setting your goals for 2022.

#3. Frame your mind

Sometimes we create our inadequacies in our heads and then trap ourselves in it. The year met you enthusiastically, but after a few hurdles, you might have retired to a “maybe I don’t deserve it. I don’t have enough skills or certificates. I’m probably reaching beyond my limit”. If this is your present mindset, consider taking a timeout to heal and reprogram yourself.

Repeat:

• My past is not a reflection of my future.
• I deserve all the good things in life. Nothing I desire is off limits.
• I am more at ease every day.
• The point of life is balance, not perfection.

#4. Take a walk

Sometimes always being indoors can contribute to end-of-year anxiety, and a simple walk under the gentle morning sun could help clear your headspace. Also, working out and fixing your diet is a healthy lifestyle that keeps you feeling more centered with positive vibrations.

#5. Declutter

A new year requires taking out the old things, especially unproductive ones, and replacing them with new ones. A physical declutter also works magic, look around your space and declutter your wardrobe, furniture, kitchen…the entire house! You might also consider rearranging the space, adding new decor, and even switching up your default personal style into something different but still you. Maybe a new hairstyle to shake things up from inertia.

Bonus tip:

Talk to a professional if you’re starting to feel anxious uncontrollably. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen.

Featured image: Liza Summer | Pexels

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