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New Year
The start of the year is a time when you might look back at the past year and reflect on things that’ve happened, both good and bad. Whether you’re feeling down at this time, or planning new goals, it can really help to talk.
Feeling down in January
In the New Year, when the Christmas holidays have finished, it's normal for some young people to feel a bit sad or down. It’s often called the January blues. But if you begin to feel like your sad thoughts and feelings are stopping you from being happy, it might help to speak to someone who’ll listen to you.
You can speak to Childline at any time by calling 0800 1111 for free. We’re here to support you throughout Christmas and New Year.
6 tips to help you plan the year ahead:
- be realistic
- get support
- be part of a team
- don't be too hard on yourself
- chart your achievements
- reward yourself.
New Year's resolutions
New Year's resolutions are when you decide to make some changes at the start of the new year. Usually, these are changes you hope will improve your life or someone else's life. Some examples include:
- staying healthy
- reading a new book
- learning to play an instrument
- joining a sports club
- helping someone with their chores
- learning a new language
- taking their dog for a walk
- being kinder to classmates.
You could decide to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Or something you’ve never done before. You could also decide to give up doing something that you feel isn’t good for you, like smoking, drinking alcohol or swearing.
The start of a new year can be a good time to make changes. But it can sometimes put a lot of pressure on you to succeed. If you do want to make a change and find it hard, don’t be down on yourself. You can make changes at any time of the year. The best time to make a change is when it’s a good time for you.
Planning the year ahead
Be realistic
Set yourself a target you can reach. Then break it down into smaller things you can achieve gradually. If you try and do too much at the start, you’ll get fed up quickly. And you’ll be more likely to give up. Remember – some days will be easier than others.
Get support
You could tell your family and friends about your resolution. You could also tell another adult you trust, such as a teacher or a youth-club worker. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help. If you have people around you who want you to do well, you're more likely to succeed. You can also talk to a Childline counsellor about anything you need support with, no matter how big or small.
Do something together
Why not ask someone you trust to join you in your resolution? Doing something new together with a friend can really help encourage you to keep it up. They can also support you on days when you find it tough.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
If you have a bad day or week and don’t do everything you wanted to do, don’t give up. Start again the next day.
Chart your achievements
If you have set yourself lots of smaller goals, even if it's something that you’re doing every day or week, then be sure to chart your progress. You can then look back at how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved. You might find it helpful to write it down each time you do something and put the paper in a jar. At the end of the year, you'll get a big boost remembering all the little things you've done.
Reward yourself
If you have a good week, do something nice for yourself. Do something you enjoy. Go out with your friends or watch your favourite film.
Get more support
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