Once the holidays are over and the coldest, darkest months loom ahead, many of us tend to fall into a funk, with mixed feelings about what we achieved in the previous year and worries about what the new year may bring. This can be especially acute for people already struggling with depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
The holiday season in general triggers mental health symptoms in many people, and New Year’s – traditionally a time of reflection and expected celebration– in particular, can be hard.
If the end-of-year blues are something you struggle with, remind yourself that New Year’s is an arbitrary marker of time and how you feel on this day does not set the tone for the rest of the year. Then, focus on being kind to yourself as you reflect on the past and look toward the future.
Here are some ways you can work toward a more positive mindset as you get ready for 2026:
- Make mindful resolutions – People often set unrealistic New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, go to the gym, or improve their finances, setting themselves up for disappointment. Studies show that by March, most people have given up on their resolutions. Instead of focusing on overly ambitious goals, set resolutions that are reasonable, achievable and good for your mental health, such as challenging yourself to:
– Spend more time with people who make you happy and cut ties with those who don’t.
– Do one thing to improve your health
– Ask for help when you need it
- Take action – You don’t have to wait until the New Year to begin feeling accomplished. Once you’ve set a realistic and achievable goal for the year ahead, take one small step toward that goal every day. It can be as simple as picking up the phone to call a friend, reading a chapter of a book or going for a brisk walk. Small successes build a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence and can motivate you to keep making progress.
- Reflect on the positive – Instead of focusing on the goals you did not achieve in the last year, remember what you accomplished. It’s easy to forget the positive, dwell on the negative and fall into a cycle of regret. Instead, challenge yourself to list what you got done over the last year, your best memories and your happiest experiences from the previous year. Think about new friendships you made and the people who supported you or made you laugh. Making a concerted effort to reflect on the positive can help flip your perspective.
- Prioritize rest – The holidays are exhausting. Between Christmas and the New Year, make downtime and recharging a priority. Engage in activities that help you unwind, such as breathing and mindfulness exercises, yoga, or doing a puzzle. Calming your mind helps reduce your stress response and promotes emotional well-being before you go back to work or school after January 1.
When you recognize that this time of year triggers difficult feelings or anxiety for you, be proactive. With realistic planning that sets you up for success and a shift in perspective, you can find peace and even joy as the year wraps up.
If you are struggling for an extended period of time over the holidays and beyond, consider reaching out for professional help and give yourself the gift of good mental health in 2026.
