Realistic Resolutions for Healthcare Professionals: Achieving Balance and Wellness in 2025

The New Year often brings a wave of “new year, new you” energy. We set ambitious goals: hit the gym every day, learn a new language, quit sugar entirely.

However, for those working the Care Industry, these lofty ambitions can quickly crumble under the weight of long shifts, emotional labour, and the constant pressure to provide excellent care.

Why Resolutions Matter (Even in Care)

Despite the challenges, setting resolutions can have significant mental health benefits.

Resolutions:

• Provide direction and purpose: In the often-demanding world of care, it’s easy to lose sight of personal goals. Resolutions can provide a sense of direction and purpose, giving you something to strive for outside of work.
• Boost motivation: Achieving even small goals can significantly boost motivation and self-esteem. This is crucial for those in care roles who can experience burnout and compassion fatigue.
• Increase self-awareness: The process of setting resolutions forces you to reflect on your current lifestyle, identify areas for improvement, and consider your values.

A lot of the time people are inclined to set huge, unrealistic & unachievable resolutions. It’s important to avoid this as when resolutions are not achieved, it can have a detrimental impact on mental health.

Setting realistic resolutions for care workers

• Prioritise self-care:
  • Focus on rest and recovery: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep, prioritise relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, and schedule regular breaks throughout the day.
  • Move your body: Incorporate gentle exercise like walking or yoga into your routine.
  • Nourish yourself: Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
• Set small, achievable Goals:
  • Instead of “quitting sugar,” try “reducing sugar intake by one sweet treat per week.”
  • Instead of “reading a book a week,” aim for “reading 30 minutes each evening.”
• Focus on habits, not outcomes:
  • Concentrate on building healthy habits rather than focusing solely on the end result. For example, instead of “losing 10 pounds,” focus on “eating one more serving of vegetables each day.”
• Be patient and kind to yourself:
  • Understand that setbacks are inevitable. Don’t get discouraged if you miss a workout or indulge in a treat. Simply get back on track and focus on progress, not perfection.
• Incorporate flexibility:
  • Life in the Care Industry is unpredictable. Build flexibility into your resolutions. If you miss a workout due to a late shift, don’t beat yourself up. Simply reschedule and move on.

Finding support

• Connect with colleagues: Share your goals with trusted colleagues. Having a support system can increase your accountability and motivation.
• Join a support group: Consider joining a support group for care workers. This can provide a safe space to share experiences, challenges, and offer mutual support.
• Seek professional guidance: If you’re struggling to set or maintain resolutions, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or life coach.

Remember, the goal of New Year’s resolutions is to improve your well-being, not to add more stress to your life. By setting realistic, achievable goals and prioritising self-care, you can make 2024 a year of personal growth and fulfillment, even in the demanding world of care.