Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

I am only writing this because I have to… my OCD won’t let me pass this day, but to be honest, it doesn’t feel like a new year… it feels more like a stay-in-bed-and-read type of day.. but here we are, so let’s go:

The start of the year is a cultural and social construct that varies across different societies and time periods. In many parts of the world, the start of the year is marked by the arrival of January 1, which is known as New Year’s Day. This date is widely recognized as the beginning of the year in the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used civil calendar in the world.

However, there are also many other calendars in use around the world, and each one has its own system for marking the start of the year. For example, the Chinese calendar and the Jewish calendar use different systems for calculating the start of the year, and the Islamic calendar uses a lunar calendar rather than a solar calendar like the Gregorian calendar.

May I interest you in some resolutions?

We still insist on using this day to torture ourselves with resolutions, hopes, and dreams…

The most popular New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on self-improvement and making positive changes in one’s life. Some common New Year’s resolutions include:

*Losing weight and getting fit
*Eating a healthier diet
*Exercising more
*Reducing stress and anxiety
*Quitting smoking or using tobacco products
*Reducing alcohol consumption
*Saving money and reducing debt
*Learning a new skill or hobby
*Traveling to new places
*Volunteering or giving back to the community
*Improving relationships with family and friends
*Being more organized

It’s worth noting that New Year’s resolutions are a personal choice, and people may choose to make resolutions that are specific to their own goals and priorities. So what are you hoping to achieve this year?

And now that I have written all the things we are supposed to say and write on this day let me say something a little more real.

If you are not happy during the New Year, it is important to remember that it is just one day and that you have the power to make positive changes in your life at any time. It can be helpful to focus on the things that are going well in your life and to try to find ways to improve the things that are not going as well. This might involve setting goals and working towards them, seeking support from friends and family, or seeking help from a mental health professional.

It is also important to be kind to yourself and to recognize that it is normal to have ups and downs. No one is happy all the time, and it is okay to feel a range of emotions. If you are feeling particularly unhappy or struggling with your mental health, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. They can provide you with the support and guidance you need to address your feelings and work towards a better future. Or maybe make a friend… my inbox is always open for you. xoxo