Time flies doesn't it? It feels like you just kicked off the new year and the next thing you know 12 months have somehow already passed. This may feel like a lot to wrap your head around, especially with thoughts of "new year, new you" swirling around.

So to help get you in the right headspace to tackle the new year, we're going to take a look at some ways you can mentally prepare for what's to come in the upcoming months.

It's tempting to set yourself some lofty goals at the start of each year, but there's a risk of disappointment when you don't end up meeting your expectations. This in turn affects your motivation and adds unnecessary stress. So try and avoid this by taking a moment to reflect on the past year.

Think about your experiences, any lessons you may have learned, or any achievements that have brought you joy. Then take those learnings and incorporate them into your goals for the new year. Try to keep things in perspective and set goals that are realistic. That way you'll put less pressure on yourself and have targets that feel achievable rather than overwhelming.

Relationships are an important part of positive mental health and wellbeing, so use this time to connect with your friends and family. Use this time to invest in those relationships to strengthen your social wellbeing before tackling other domains in the new year.

Rather than doing exercise just to achieve a certain result or look, or doing activities because you feel obliged to, try to participate in things that you actually enjoy. Whether it's a different sport, type of exercise, or hobby, it's all about getting in that 'flow' state where you don't realise time is passing and you're just enjoying being in the moment. You'll feel mentally refreshed and far more satisfied doing something you love rather than something where you're simply "going through the motions".

Speaking of being in the moment...

A wise man once said, "life moves pretty fast and if you don't slow down once in a while you could miss it." Try to focus on the now and practice mindfulness so you can engage with the present in a more meaningful way and enjoy life's simple things just that little bit more. There are plenty of ways to practice mindfulness, ranging from meditation apps like Headspace or Smiling Mind to exercise. This Way Up also has a free online mindfulness and wellbeing program that can help people manage their stress and boost their mental state. Find what works for you!

Just remember that if you need support or someone to talk to, our Sonder support team is available 24/7 to chat whenever you need it.

If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.

Information sourced from: This Way Up, Punch, Heads Up, Relationships Australia, and VicHealth

Image credit: Ian Schneider at Unsplash

All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.