You may be gun shy when it comes to making New Year's resolutions, and justifiably so. But there are ways that New Year's resolutions can actually help those of us who struggle with mental illness. So here goes...
First of all, banish all thoughts of failure when it comes to New Year's resolutions. Typically, holding to one's New Year's resolutions lasts only until the first failure takes place. For example, I work out regularly at the gym (pool). There is a sharp uptick in the number of folks using the locker room during the first two weeks of January. Then the number rapidly decreases to what is normal for the rest of the year. Why? Folks keep a New Year's resolution only so long, then they fail. This signals the end of their "resolve."
But those of us with mental health challenges know different. Failure is commonplace for us. We know that "what works" takes time (and regular failures) to develop and maintain. When we fail, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and get back at it. When we do, our "resolve" to stay the course can bring about good things, including mood stability.
So how might we use New Year's resolutions to our benefit. I see them as first, keeping what works going, and second, as trying out some new things.
By keeping things going, I am referring to things that have worked in the past. For me, several things come to mind. My sleep regimen is the biggest factor in stabilizing my moods. You may have come out of the holidays with sleep disruptions. It's time to get back to your personal regimen. Sleep is huge! Another thing that works for me is exercise. This has a symbiotic relationship with sleep. The better I work out, the better I feel and the better I sleep. I seldom miss a day. And when I do, I can immediately feel it. A third practice that is vital for me is what I call my daily "DBT." This is my regular meditation time coming out of dialectical behavior therapy. Search my other blogs for what I mean by DBT. It looks similar, but different, for Christians.
Second, we can and should try new things in our "resolve" to conquer (or rather stabilize) our mood swings. Here is one thing I am resolving to do during the new year. First of all, I want to work on my socialization. Studies have shown that social interactions can significantly boost one's mood. I am naturally an introvert, so there is definitely a barrier when it comes to making social contact. But when I have meaningful social interactions, I find I consistently experience a mood boost. So I am resolving to set up a few lunch/coffee meetings with people I care about. I am also resolving to do e-socializing with people I have lost contact with. Even those email interactions can boost my mood, or so I have found.
Another New Year's "resolve" of mine is to do some "adventuring" or risk taking. Again, since I am an introvert who struggles with bipolar disorder, I have been loathe to take on any leadership roles in my church. Well, guess what? I have committed myself to being a co-leader of my small group. This is risky, but I've taken the plunge. You might call this a form of "opposite action." I fear leading (and failing), so I doing the opposite. I advance instead of retreating. (Pray for me. Let's see how this goes.)
So what are your New Year's resolutions? As Christians, we have special help with our adventuring. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6) May the New Year be a good one for you, and for me!
Blessings,
The Christian Bipole
Your take on resolutions is certainly well thought out