Happy New Year, Friends!
I am not big on New Year’s resolutions; however, I think it is important to reflect on what you want to leave behind (outs) and what you want to take forward with you (Ins) for each new year. So here is a list of some of my anxiety-specific ins and outs for the 2026!
Ins
- low stimulation days
- No expectations, nowhere to be, just calm, quiet, slow, and present.
- phone on dnd
- No interruptions or distractions. I can respond when I feel ready.
- anxiety tool kit with me at all times
- We are setting ourselves up for success in 2026! That means using all the tools in our tool kit and being prepared!
- sunlight first thing in the morning
- Circadian rhythm regulation is a must! This has drastically improved my ability to cope!
- cotton and linen clothes
- I am leaving overstimulating clothes in 2025.
- reading a physical book
- I am bringing back the magic of words on a page held in my hand.
- noise-cancelling headphones
- The ability to tune out the world at any moment needed brings me so much comfort.
- outfit repeating
- If I like an outfit and it makes me feel good, I will be re-wearing it, sorry, not sorry.
- anxiety intermissions at social events
- Bathroom breaks can be used strategically to take a break, ground yourself, and restore calm.
- early bedtimes
- I struggle so much getting to bed early, but when I do it and stick to it, I love it, so I am leaning into it in 2026
Outs
- Overfilling my plate
- Burnout was not my friend in 2025, so a big goal for this year is to avoid it at all costs, and that starts with not overworking myself.
- putting my dreams on hold for others
- This year, my dreams are my priority and
- small talk
- Awkwardness = Anxiety
- socks that slide off in your shoe
- This is the worst little annoyance. I am making it a point to get rid of any socks that do this in the new year.
- Self doubt
- If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Enough said.
- Styrofoam
- I don’t like how it sounds or how it feels. Team bubble wrap all the way.
- auto flush toilets
- I don’t need this added anxiety when I am just trying to go to the bathroom.
- perfectionism
- This ruined SO MANY THINGS for me in 2025. Perfect doesn’t exist, yet I just about crushed myself trying to make it exist last year. In the new year, I am accepting imperfections as the exciting part of life that they are.
- overhead lighting
- I can’t control it when I am out, but I want to keep it cozy at home. Lamps, LED, and twinkle lights are the vibe for the year!
- group chats
- So overstimulating…Need I say more?
This list, although somewhat serious, is for fun. Whether you have 15 goals for the new year or none, I challenge you to be kinder and more gentle with yourself! I hope this year is full of wonderful things for all of you! I can’t wait for everything that it holds for me and the opportunity to share it with you all!
I will be posting a new blog post every Monday and Thursday this year, so make sure you subscribe so you never miss one!
Until Next Time, My Friends!
P.S. I’m proud of you 😉