How to reduce stress with progressive muscle relaxation
A simple but effective technique to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
Read moreTips to help you make that change
Making a New Year’s resolution this year? Make sure it is realistic, set short-term goals, be accountable for your actions and understand that failure is part of the process. It is never too late to change!
If you are making a New Year’s resolution this year, we have some tips to help you along the way.
Be realistic
Understand that you have to start somewhere and do not take on multiple behavioural changes at once.
We each have limited resources we rely upon to make change happen:
- Attention
- Self-control
- Motivation.
Trying to change too much, places unrealistic demands on each of these resources. We often forget that while trying to change, other areas of our lives keep spinning and they too require these resources on a daily basis.
Set manageable goals
Break down your change goal into manageable chunks – small, tangible objectives that you can achieve by certain dates. Unless you can give yourself set goals and targets, you will not achieve what you want.
Big and vague must give way to small and specific.
- “I’m going to start exercising” becomes, “I’m going to start walking tonight after work for 20 minutes.”
- “I want to be more mindful” becomes, “by the end of month three I want to be able to dedicate ten minutes a day to mindful breathing.”
- “I want to work on my wellbeing” becomes “each week I am going to read one book, and have implemented one technique.”
Be accountable
If you miss a date, goal or target don’t stress too much, just reset and try again.
Failure is part of the process
Failing is often part of the process. Learn to see failing as a step, not as the end of the process or an excuse to stop trying. Failing reveals more to you about what deserves your attention and energy the next time.
In summary, make sure it is realistic, set short-term goals, be accountable for your actions and understand that failure is part of the process. It is never too late to change!
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed give our SuicideLine Victoria team a call anytime of the day, we are here to support you: Call 1300 651 251.
If it is an emergency, call 000.
More from mental health
Positive self-talk
Self-talk is your inner voice that runs throughout the day. It can help you process experiences, make decisions, ask questions, and influence how you feel. Understand how positive self-talk can help to improve your day and wellbeing.
Read moreWhat are the symptoms of anxiety and what can cause anxiety?
Many of us feel anxious when we have a stressful event or situation coming up, and we are worried about it. This feeling is temporary and usually goes away after the event or situation has ended. Anxiety is when that feeling of anxiousness does not go away and is long term. Find out more about the symptoms of anxiety and what can cause anxiety.
Read moreWhat is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is more than just feeling nervous about a social function or event. People who have social anxiety feel an extreme sense of fear and anxiety in social settings and everyday interactions. They often know their fear may be unreasonable, but they are unable to overcome it. Learn how to spot the signs.
Read more