Each year around this time, you may find yourself getting anxious because the inevitable questions abound: “What are your New Year’s plans?” “Have you figured out how you’re getting around traffic on New Year’s Eve?” “Any resolutions?” “How are you going to ensure you stick to them?” An ideal New Year’s Eve for some may include going to bed early and escaping the mayhem and flurry of social media posts accompanied with the caption “New year, new me.”

The pressure of having to plan a picturesque evening to end the year and come up with people-pleasing resolutions gets overwhelming. However, it needn’t be, as a self-proclaimed introvert, Aakanksha Tangri, Founder of Re:Set provides her top tips on getting through the holiday season.

Take a social media detox

I’ve already deactivated most of my social media accounts and find myself spending less time fretting over what people’s plans are and whether I’ve captured the perfect Boomerang in the run-up to the new year. Log off temporarily or delete the apps from your phone if you find yourself getting sucked into the social media vortex. My mental health has improved as I’m not falling down the comparison hole.

Establish boundaries

This can be as simple as saying ‘no’ when you find yourself getting overwhelmed with parties or commitments and are in need of some me-time. However saying no can be hard, so turn to statements such as “I haven’t quite figured out my new year plans yet, but once I have a better idea I can let you know,” or “I might have to take a raincheck on this, but we can catch up at a later time once things settle down.” Having an honest conversation about your emotional needs and well-being can also help.

Find a buddy for New Year eve

Turn to a friend for solace when you’re over the small talk or someone who will leave the party with you when it gets too much. Let your friend know beforehand how you’re feeling and that you might need their support.

To each their own

While it’s trendy to post about your New Year resolutions, the pressure of it all can also make a person anxious and stressed out especially those dealing with chronic illnesses who don’t know how they’ll feel when they wake up tomorrow. If putting together a list helps you stick to these goals, then, by all means, go for it. But, if you know, it’ll have an adverse effect on you, then pass on the list. Do what works best for your well-being.

If you are setting goals, look to create short-term and long-term goals. Working on one’s physical and mental well-being is a long-term goal, and the progress isn’t linear. For example, if you stress easily, instead of saying “I won’t stress this year,” turn it into “I will find a coping mechanism when I find myself getting stressed when a person doesn’t return my messages.”

Perhaps some key resolutions we can all set this year are to be kinder and more accepting of one another and our individual needs.

So, is it going to be a new year new you in 2020, or will it be a new year; same old me kind of thing? Feel free to share in the comments.