New Year, New You

Are you a die hard resolution maker?

Do you think it's the biggest waste of time, or do you fall somewhere in between the rustling of the calendar change.

I know for many, it has been a difficult year, and resolutions or not, we can't wait to say 'Goodbye' to 2018.  For many more people I know, some of the most amazing opportunities and blessings have presented themselves this year.

Personally, I'm always eager to start something new and that includes resolutions.  The list of all the things we hope to accomplish in the coming year can be lengthy and lofty.  Sometimes, I am still going strong a couple of months into the new year, but if I'm being honest, nothing really evolves past the first week in January.

So, what are some alternatives to a resolution that might spare you the guilt of failing miserable with some heartfelt goals?

Here's a list we've compiled:

Word of the Year: Choose a word you want to focus on for the year.  It could be JOY, GRATITUDE, GIVING, PEACE...You get the idea.  Focus on bringing more of that, into your life.

What you got right: Instead of starting the year with all the ways we need to be better, how about starting the year with a list of all the things you got right?  Why start the year on such a negative note, with line by line shortcomings?

Gratitude:  Commit the year to being grateful for you what you have and what you are.  Consider that you are enough.   It's one of the important concepts to living a full and abundant life yet we don't do it enough...consistently.

Weekly Resolutions:  Doing anything for a year, feels daunting.  Why not make little weekly resolutions to make bigger life changes.  Let's face it, no one's life actually changes all that much due to a resolution, but smaller weekly goals, actually could.

Start Something New:  Start a new hobby or activity that you have always wanted to do.  Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is start!

However you decide to start the new year, do it your way, with purpose and conviction.  You know, you could even start 2019 by doing nothing!  Absolutely Nothing.  Just let the year unfold as it will and watch with excitement, what comes next. 

Anxiety

You don't have to look far to find someone with anxiety, even severe anxiety.  It's becoming shockingly common, more common than it has seemed to be in the past. 

There's a looming deadline and your stomach is doing somersaults and your brain refuses to stop spinning, even for a minute. 

It's only the second week in the month and you have 20 bucks to your name and you're sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire. 

The baby is due any day and you had no idea one could be quite so nervous.

The doctor said you are going to need a hysterectomy and fall apart in a puddle of tears.  

Ugh...Anxiety...

Well congratulations!  If you have ever been anxious and uptight about any of the above scenarios, you're normal!  While you may feel anxious in moments such as these, they are regular comings and goings of life and it makes sense to feel a little dread now and again. A little healthy anxiety in our cave men ancestors actually helped them survive dangerous or difficult situations. 

Anxiety, the kind that requires medical intervention is much different. 

It's been three weeks since you left the house because the thought of people keeps you stuck to the couch.

You have constant thoughts of looming danger.

You wash your hands excessively and avoid touching things in public in an effort to stay healthy. 

These examples are disorders of Anxiety.  How do you tell the difference between life and an anxiety disorder?  

• Nervousness, worry and fear is ongoing
• The feeling of anxiousness is not proportionate to the cause
• Intrusive thoughts that overtake your ability to function normally
• Extreme, or exaggerated negative thoughts. 
• Worrying about a future thought

Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders in this country and affects over 40 million adults.  Of all those people, only a third actually seek medical attention.  Even though it is so common, it is also a disorder that is the most misunderstood. 

Medical professionals and scientists who study anxiety all suggest the following ways to cope with your anxiety.

• Learn deep breathing techniques to help you relax and calm down.  Deep breathing does wonders to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
• Keep your head where your body is.  Projecting fear and worry too far into the future will exacerbate your anxiety.  Stay mindful, in the moment...Wherever you are, is where you should be.
• Stop and say out loud, something you see, something you hear and something you smell.  It may seem like a small thing but helps to keep you anchored to something real, rather than imagined in your mind. 
• Don't self medicate with alcohol, caffeine or recreational drugs.  Get plenty of sleep and eat healthy, nutritious food.
• Understand what some of your triggers are.  Educating yourself on your condition goes a long way.  
• Search out a support network when you are going through difficult times.  Being alone can often make things worse.
• Talk to your healthcare provider and discuss your symptoms and treatment options.