How to Navigate the New Year as a Music Student

'New Year, New Me' is a phrase that many of us have heard at the start of the year, or perhaps, have used ourselves.

The new year has become a symbol of a sense of renewal, letting go of old habits and building new behaviours. Many people make resolutions around this time, whether it is to exercise more, eat healthier, save more money, drink less alcohol etc. However, with this, it can also be restrictive, add limitations and increase pressure onto ourselves.

For some, the new year can bring a sense of hope for a better future, and you may want to form resolutions or goals for the next 12 months.

There are many different reasons to why it is hard to stick to our resolutions, such a societal pressure, our own internal pressure and these can bring up feelings of failure, frustration and anxiety. 

Tips for implementing resolutions:

Letting go of the expectations of others - Do what you want to do and what makes you happy. This may be different to what society 'expects'. You may not even have resolutions for the upcoming year and that is completely okay. If you do want to have goals for this year, remember that you can have fun with them and they do not need to be taken too seriously.

Look back and then forward - Often we set ourselves large goals for the future without looking to why we have struggled in the past, which can repeat a cycle of resolve, relapse, repeat. Consider what is holding you back and what might help you break this behaviour cycle. 

Think about how, not just what – If you do have resolutions and goals, think about the different steps to make them a reality. Breaking down tasks into smaller chunks can stop you feeling overwhelmed and help you achieve your goals.

Unexpected and difficult emotions may come up - With any changes and transitions, there can be some grief and loss when familiarity and comfort is challenged. By accepting these feelings, you can increase the likelihood of sticking to your resolutions.

Remember the process, not just the outcome - If you don't achieve your goals, yet have noticed some improvements, there has been a shift and the work still counts. It is important to remember the process and that mistakes are part of being human.

The new year can be complex, and our thoughts, feelings and emotions can be varied. While the change can represent promise of something new, it can also be a difficult time for many people.

The new year can remind us of what we have lost, people that we have lost, and we can reminisce about how things used to be. For those with mental health difficulties, the new year can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness, stress, emptiness and anxiety. Finding new year difficult is okay and it is also okay for us not to have it all together every minute of every day. You do not need to have a list of goals or resolutions. Instead, you can spend the time resting as changes can be introduced at any point of the year.

If you find this time of year difficult, then here are some tips to look after yourself.

Do what is best for you - If you need to take some time to rest and relax, do this and inform others so they don't pressure you. 

Plan how you are going to spend your time - Having structure not only helps you pass the time but provides shape to the day when our regular routines are disrupted.

Spend time with people you want too - You may feel misunderstood, lonely or not cared for, even when you are surrounded by people. Try and establish what you need in this period and surround yourself with people who bring you joy. 

Connect with others - Connect with other like-minded people, such as via a related hobby or a charitable cause. You could volunteer, which will not only help you by putting touch in with other people, but also give you a sense of purpose. Doing so can increase general wellbeing too. 

Take a break from social media - It is important to note, that when people are posting on social media, it is choreographed and is only a snapshot of their life. Try not to compare yourself to others as social media portrays the idealised, not the reality. 

Find and explore something new - Taking on something new can be enjoyable and rewarding. 

Explore somewhere new or spend time in nature - Research has shown that changing your surroundings and seeing sunlight can be refreshing and increase your wellbeing. You can make it more enjoyable by listening to your favourite music or podcast.

Engage in self-care - Everyone's definition of self-care is different; there is no way to exactly say what is self-care. The rule is that it brings you joy in the long run. Self-can can help you cope with difficult emotions, provide strength and increased wellbeing.

If you have noticed a prolonging of difficult emotions, then please share this with somebody. It could be your GP, or here at Student Wellbeing.