New Year's resolutions: Make small sacrifices, not drastic changes

Eva Osborne

As we approach 2025, many of us are contemplating potential New Year's resolutions.

Mental health charity Turn2Me has said it is easier to make consistent small sacrifices rather than drastic changes, and is urging people to set "realistic" goals to avoid disappointment.

The charity has also encouraged people to consider starting something new instead of giving something up.

Turn2Me stated that people find it more difficult to make new friends as they get older, which can lead to loneliness later in life, but that starting new projects, joining new clubs, or signing up to new courses can lead to new friendships.

Chief executive of Turn2Me, Fiona O'Malley, said: “People often associate New Year’s with resolutions, such as weightloss or going on an extreme detox.

“Instead of setting lots of unrealistic New Year’s resolutions, which often lead to disappointment if they can’t be maintained, setting a smaller number of realistic goals can be more achievable.

“For example, if you rarely exercise and your New Year’s resolution is to go to for a run every day, this might not be realistic. It may also result in injury if you push yourself too far, and can lead to longer periods out of action. It might be better to jog twice or three times a week."

O'Malley warned that goals that are not realistic can lead to feelings of "disappointment and failure".

"This feeling of failure can deter people from setting future goals.

“Consider joining a part-time course, signing up for a writing or hiking group, or joining a choir, book club or a drama society. New Year’s is a good time for new beginnings.

"It doesn’t have to mean extreme diets or complete lifestyle changes. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Embrace setbacks and aim for progress, not perfection."