Start small, stay intentional

The Pressure of a Fresh Start

The beginning of a new year often brings excitement, hope and pressure. Many people feel an unspoken demand to reset their lives immediately, form new habits, and leave old struggles behind. While motivation can be helpful, putting to many expectations are often unrealistic and emotionally taxing.

Mental health, healing, and personal growth do not automatically reset on a calendar date (January 1st). For individuals managing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or mood disorders, this pressure can increase stress, self-criticism, and feelings of failure before the year truly begins.

When expectations are too high, motivation can quickly become overwhelming. Rather than progress, people may experience frustration, burnout, or avoidance.

Sustainable change happens through small, intentional, and realistic steps. Progress looks different for everyone, and boundaries are not a sign of withdrawal or isolation, they are a form of self-care that protects emotional well-being.

At Joyride Integrative Psychiatric, we encourage a more compassionate approach to the new year. Growth is a process, not a deadline. You don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward.

Give yourself permission to start slowly, honor your capacity, and build the year one step at a time.

Dr. Brenda Eno, DNP, PMHNP-BC