Ringing in the New Year: A 3-step guide to navigating your emotions | Opinion
As New Year’s Eve approaches, it brings a celebration of beginnings and often a complex mix of emotions for many of us. This pivotal time, often associated with reflection and anticipation, can be joyous and hopeful, but also stressful and introspective, bringing to the surface a variety of thoughts and feelings.
It’s important to acknowledge and accept these feelings, recognizing that feeling a blend of emotions, from excitement to sadness to anxiety and more, is part of the human experience.
The transition into a new year, though symbolically significant, is but a moment in time and we have a choice in the weight we give it; after all, we can choose at any given moment in the year to reflect, make changes, learn lessons, or be proud and satisfied with where we are. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I would encourage you to make an active choice on how you want to meet the transition into the new year, and if you choose to give it weight, I encourage you to do so in a balanced way, recognizing both the growth and lessons of the past year, and entering the new year with a balance of anxiety, anticipation, acceptance and hope for what the next year offers. Additionally, I offer you a three-step guide to self-care and support to help navigate this transition.
Self-care routine: Self-care is deeply personal and varies from one person to another. For some of us, a helpful routine may involve a quiet walk, reading a meaningful daily quote, setting healthy boundaries, engaging in creative activities like journaling, or simply listening to music that resonates with our current emotions. The key is to find what works for you, what offers you opportunity to relax, pause, and regulate in stressful times, and allow yourself to engage in these activities.
Sharing and connecting: Sharing your thoughts, feelings and experiences with someone you trust can be incredibly relieving. A conversation with a friend, family member, or even a professional can be incredibly powerful for our mental well-being. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and self-awareness.
Seeking professional support: If you find your emotions during this period to be overwhelming, hard to manage, or not subsiding as the transition ends, seeking professional support is a wise and brave step. A trained counselor can provide a compassionate space to discuss your feelings and support you through your experiences.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s essential to acknowledge that self-care, connection with others and seeking help when necessary are crucial steps toward maintaining emotional well-being. Your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone in experiencing the highs and lows that come with New Year’s Eve.
For those in severe distress, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) and the Trevor Helpline for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention (800-850-8078) are always available.
As we bid farewell to one year and welcome another, let’s do so with a mindset of openness, self-compassion, hope and communal support in the journey ahead. Here’s to a new year filled with health, joy, peace, understanding and emotional well-being.
Dr. Allison Golden is director of behavioral health and licensed clinical psychologist at Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County.