We almost made it. In a few weeks, another year will have ended. And a new one full of opportunity takes its place. With the new year approaching, it’s a good time to reflect on the past 365 days. And it’s an even better time to let go of any baggage holding you down. And while many of us adopt the “new year, new me” mantra, many of us find it’s not very sustainable. That’s because we have to address the things that held us back the year before. Otherwise, you’ll keep falling into the same patterns and habits of the cycles you’re trying to break.

If you’re ready to make space for growth, here are 5 things to let go of before 2019.

Five Things to Let Go of Before 2019

1. Fear of the Future

Many of us begin the year with a new sense of motivation and excitement. “This is the year”, we think to ourselves. But with that being said, the future can be seriously scary. Maybe you’re in a transition phase. And things may feel more unsure and unknown than ever. If this sounds more like you, it’s okay. We understand those daunting feelings. So instead of imagining the entire year in front of you, try to take each day at a time. Smaller, consistent goals are achievable and lead to less stress. That way, you don’t feel like you have to have your entire life planned out at all times!

2. Needing to Be Busy

One of the biggest talking points this year was the topic of self-care. But as we’ve talked about on this blog, self-care isn’t just facemasks and bubble baths. One way to take care of yourself is to stop avoiding the things we need to address in our lives. Many of us often feel pressured to stay busy due to social norms. But that isn’t an excuse to dodge our issues either. Let go of the need to be busy and continually stimulated. That way, you can practice self-care to the fullest!

3. People Who Drain Your Energy

One of the most common pieces of advice given this past year was to “cut toxic people from your life”. But that’s way easier said than done right? Instead of physically cutting them out, start smaller. If you’re following people who anger you, unfollow them. If you’re following people who make you jealous, unfollow them. And if you’re following people who make you feel inadequate, unfollow them. If you feel like you can’t cut them out in the real world, at least cut them from your online world.

4. Physical Clutter 

Have you ever cleaned your room and suddenly felt happier? Physical clutter can have a huge impact on your mental state. If your space is a mess, set small goals to begin to organize it. Donate the things you don’t need. Upcycle if it fits your aesthetic. A cluttered space cultivates stress. While a peaceful space allows for peaceful thoughts.

5. Needing to be in Control

We know. The concept of control is a super thin line to cross when you suffer from mental illness. The feeling of chaos and being out of control leads to a lot of stress. But the reality is that we aren’t control of most of the things in our lives. There’s no way to predict the future. If we can transfer worrying energy into acceptance, we’ll be more easily able to control our reactions to those unplanned circumstances. 

How Can We Help You?

What are you wanting to let go of before 2019? Let us help you! Cristina Panaccione and Associates Counseling has three locations in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. We are currently accepting a limited number of new patients, so check out our videos to learn more about how we can help you navigate your personal roadblocks

 

* This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.

Jennifer Krause – MS, LPC 

Jennifer is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Masters of Science Degree from Chatham University. She has over 18 years of counseling experience with a wide range of patients in a variety of treatment settings.  These have included: outpatient community mental health agencies, partial psychiatric hospital settings, both inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol facilities, correctional settings, and an outpatient intensive treatment foster care program.  Her clinical experience has been broad, treating both adolescents and adults struggling with: addiction, trauma, mood disorders, anger management issues, borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety. I also have experience with couples counseling, working with families, and group therapy. She has extensive training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT.