The quality of her friendships is important to her as she has experienced negative impacts from relationships with people who have a pessimistic outlook on life and have drained her energy. She has learned that investing time and emotions in the wrong people can lead to self-doubt and a negative outlook, but has also gained perspective after those relationships ended.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/opinion/2025/01/07/new-years-resolution-about-dumping-some-friendsRelationship expert and psychosexual therapist Dr. Silverman notes that a mismatch in sexual desires between partners can be detrimental to a relationship if left unaddressed. She cites instances where men feel their wives have little or no sex drive, while women report feeling pressured by their partners' demands, which can erode their own desire for intimacy.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14252381/six-questions-midlife-couple-ask-year-want-stay-married-national-divorce-day-therapist-Natasha-Silverman.htmlChronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, specifically heart disease and high blood pressure. According to Veerang Vats, managing stress effectively is crucial for overall health.
https://www.livemint.com/web-stories/5-ways-stress-impacts-your-health-and-how-to-combat-it-visual-story-11736064174645.htmlSydney life coach and counsellor Linda Magson has cautioned against making unrealistic New Year's resolutions, suggesting that failure could have negative consequences for one's wellbeing. Instead, she recommends focusing on small, specific changes such as decluttering and creating a "joy list", which is a personal catalogue of activities that bring happiness.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14184153/New-Years-resolution.htmlDr. John Leary, a mental health expert based in New York City, suggests that stress can be beneficial for mental acuity and resilience. He advises his clients to view daily life in the city as a form of exercise that builds mental strength, much like physical exercise builds muscle mass. According to Dr. Leary, people need resistance to grow mentally, just as they do physically, and he encourages them to reframe their relationship with stress and pain, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than something to be avoided.
https://nypost.com/2025/01/02/business/wellness-guru-dr-jonathan-leary-says-why-stress-is-good-for-you/Lindsay Walter, a behavioral health professional with St. Peter's Health, notes that New Year's resolutions often fail due to the difficulty in forming new habits. Research suggests it can take up to 21 days for people to adjust to something new, but Walter believes this timeframe is likely longer and emphasizes the importance of consistency and not giving up. To increase success rates, Walter recommends breaking down larger goals into smaller, more achievable tasks.
https://www.kpax.com/news/montana-news/montanans-share-new-year-resolutions-as-2024-wraps-upDubai-based experts Bruna Moubarak and Anne Jackson are advocating for a more realistic approach to setting New Year's resolutions. Instead of aiming for major life goals, they recommend starting small by breaking down objectives into achievable tasks that can be completed daily or weekly. This approach is said to improve mental well-being by fostering a sense of accomplishment and control, boosting confidence and motivation, and building resilience over time. Examples of small, achievable goals include drinking an extra glass of water daily, reading for 10 minutes each night, and practising gratitude for five minutes each morning. Experts suggest that even minor accomplishments can boost self-confidence and motivate further progress, and that setbacks should be reframed as opportunities for growth rather than feelings of failure.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/setting-new-years-resolutions-uae-experts-recommend-small-steps-for-lasting-resultsAs the new year approaches, psychotherapist Julia Samuel suggests that people's tendency to plan and predict the future can be driven by a desire for security. Reflecting on the past year, many may feel apprehensive about what 2025 holds, but Samuel advises looking back at 2024 as an opportunity to learn and grow.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14232873/From-hugs-dog-walks-watching-Michael-McIntyre-Psychotherapist-JULIA-SAMUELS-tips-happy-2025.htmlBrook Choulet, a doctor, notes that the holiday season can be a stressful time for some people, including her patients. She suggests setting boundaries and taking breaks to manage stress during this period.
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/set-boundaries-take-breaks-how-to-manage-stress-and-enjoy-your-holidays-20241209-p5kwyu.html