10 New Year's Resolutions to Help Ease Anxiety: Tips from an Orlando Therapist
10 New Year's Resolutions to Help Ease Anxiety: Tips from an Orlando Therapist
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
If you experience anxiety, even thinking about setting a New Year's resolution may add another layer of stress, making you doubt your willpower, persistence, and abilities, wondering whether you're setting yourself up for failure. You may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to “be more” or "do better." You might feel paralyzed by the fear of not living up to your standards, especially if past attempts to meet similar goals didn't go as planned. These thoughts can create a cycle of anxiety. So, you might give up before you've even tried.
But what if you were to reframe your New Year's resolutions so they are not about perfection or drastic changes?
As an Orlando Therapist, I've seen how gentle, practical, and intentional changes can help people with anxiety feel more grounded and in control.
So, let me guide you through 10 achievable New Year's resolutions to help ease anxiety.
1. Incorporate Meditation and Mindfulness Into Your Day
If you’re looking to make a bigger difference in your well-being, give attention to the changes within. We understand that finding time for self-care can be challenging with your busy daily schedule. However, meditation and mindfulness practices don't have to take much of your time. Incorporating mindfulness into the day sometimes just means paying attention to what you're doing. For example, notice the sound of the coffee maker, the rich aroma as it fills the room, and the warmth of the mug in your hands while brewing and having a cup of your morning coffee. If you're walking to the subway, focus on the sensation of your feet hitting the pavement, the coolness or warmth of the air against your skin, or the sounds of the city waking up.
It's about being fully present with what you're doing, trying to get out of your head, and being more in your experience—no matter how small or routine the task may seem—rather than mulling over your anxiety-provoking thoughts.
2. Spend More Time in Nature
Nature has healing power. Whether you visit a nearby park, watch the sunset at your favorite beach, or spend a weekend hiking in the mountains, spending time in nature can help you relax, clear your mind, and shift your focus away from negative thoughts. To ground yourself, sometimes it only takes stepping outside to feel the sunlight on your skin, the grass beneath your feet, or the sand in your hands.
3. Stay Active to Nurture Your Body and Mind
Create time in your daily schedule for activities that energize your body and protect your physical health. It has been scientifically proven that walking, running, yoga, dancing, or swimming boost the ”feel-good” hormones. Regular exercise, especially aerobic activities like cycling or walking, can lift your mood. It boosts serotonin, which plays a key role in mood and sleep, and it also increases endorphins—those natural feel-good chemicals that act as painkillers and mood elevators and can soothe anxiety.
4. Spend Time with Loving Friends and Family
Set a resolution to make time for loved ones. Meet friends for coffee or relax in the company of your family members. Spending time with loving friends and family releases another "feel good" hormone, oxytocin, which is crucial in social bonding, emotional connection, and stress reduction. Bonding with pets, like petting your dog, has a similar effect. Volunteering is another excellent way to boost this "feel good" hormone and foster a sense of purpose while meeting people who care about the exact causes as you do.
5. Find Inspiration in Creativity and Art
Art and creativity can be excellent means for exploring and expressing your emotions, breaking free from negative thoughts, and finding relief from stress, whether observing artwork or engaging in creative activities.
Use your free time to visit an art gallery or museum—research shows that observing art can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. If you're feeling inspired, try creating art yourself. Studies show that creating art stimulates the brain’s reward center, helping you feel calmer, more relaxed, and happier. Drawing, painting pottery, knitting, or coloring books for adults allow you to use colors, textures, and shapes to express how you feel inside. Writing, whether poetry, journaling, or any creative writing, can also be a powerful outlet to process your emotions, while movement and music can uplift your spirit and soothe you.
6. Spend Less Time on Devices
Taking breaks from technology can do wonders for your well-being. Even something as simple as stepping away from your screen to take a short walk can help you recharge and refocus. To manage stress throughout the day, try practicing digital detox and swapping half an hour you'd typically spend on Instagram for deep breathing exercises. By focusing on your breath, you bring your mind into the present moment, slow down your thoughts, and lower your stress hormone levels.
7. Exchange Social Media for Real Interactions
Most of us have noticed that after spending hours on social media, we often feel more restless, insecure, or isolated. How is this possible when social media is supposed to make us feel more connected? This is because social media can be a significant trigger for people experiencing anxiety due to the constant comparison and validation.
So, take breaks from social media and invest that time in real-life interactions with loved ones. Meeting a friend for coffee, calling your parents, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations with those around you can help you feel more grounded, valued, and emotionally fulfilled.
8. Recharge Your Body with Quality Sleep
Nothing rejuvenates our mind and body like a restful night's sleep. Getting enough deep sleep is one of the most powerful ways to ease anxiety and manage stress. Research shows that deep, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep helps restore the brain’s ability to regular emotions, significantly lowering anxiety. By making regular, restorative sleep a priority, you give your mind and body a chance to recover, and this can help you feel more balanced and resilient the next day.
9. Find Comfort in Simple Pleasures
Set a resolution to pay attention to simple pleasures that soothe your soul. These can involve small, everyday treats such as listening to your favorite music, mindfully sipping a coffee at your beloved coffee shop, or watching a favorite holiday movie in your new PJs
Make time to practice gratitude—focusing on the positive, even in small things—as this can shift your perspective and make you feel more optimistic. Engage in a hobby you love or start a new one because this can stimulate dopamine release, improving your mood, motivation, and overall well-being. Spend time in natural sunlight or under a bright light box to boost serotonin levels and improve your mood and energy. Treat yourself to a nourishing meal rich in omega-3s, which support brain health and reduce stress. Don't forget the dark chocolate—it contains antioxidants and may boost your mood.
Embracing these simple pleasures can help you feel calmer and more centered.
10. Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them)
Setting boundaries is one of the best New Year's resolutions you can make this year. Boundaries in our personal and professional lives are essential for self-care and emotional balance. Learn to say no to commitments that don't align with your priorities or make you uncomfortable. Protecting your time and energy allows you to focus on what truly matters. For example, disconnecting from work when your day is over is essential if you want to ease anxiety and reduce stress. Don't feel guilty for allowing yourself to engage in activities that bring you joy. These small but intentional steps can help you create a healthier balance and alleviate anxiety.
Setting Powerful New Year's Resolutions with the Support of an Anxiety Therapist in Orlando, FL
Sometimes, we all need guidance and support to commit to our goals. Our compassionate anxiety therapists at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando, FL, are here to help you develop and incorporate these resolutions into your daily routine to help you manage anxiety and embrace a healthier lifestyle that focuses on well-being. As you set your 10 New Year's resolutions, remember to focus on progress, not pressure, and take each step with patience and self-compassion.
Interested in How Anxiety Therapy Can Help?
Reach out today to learn how anxiety therapy at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando can help you set nerve-calming resolutions that really make a difference.
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Interested in Anxiety Therapy?
Mindful Living Counseling has a team of anxiety therapists ready to help you. If you’re not interested, that’s ok. In the meantime check out the articles provided below.
Additional Anxiety Therapy Orlando Resources
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Anxiety Therapy Orlando: Setting Boundaries to Manage Holiday Stress
An Anxiety Therapist Shares Everything You Need to Know About Anxiety
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Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando
Our team is dedicated to helping you overcome any challenges you may face. We provide various therapy services, including Anxiety Therapy, Couples Therapy, Trauma Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Toxic Relationship Therapy, Teen Therapy, and Guided Meditations.
About Orlando Therapist: Lauran Hahn
Lauran Hahn is an Orlando-based therapist who specializes in helping individuals with trauma and heal from toxic relationships. Lauran is a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant offering EMDR intensives,