Waiting until spring to set resolutions makes them feel less like work and more like inspiring ideas, which works better for me and my bipolar disorder.
Ahh, spring. It’s a time of refreshment and renewal. With more daylight hours, my energy level goes up, and I feel more motivated to accomplish goals. That’s why I save my New Year’s resolutions until spring.
With bipolar disorder, it can be hard to keep promises to myself, even when I have the best intentions. Unexpected mood swings, reactions to surprise triggers, and just life in general can get in the way.
In January — especially right after the holidays — it’s difficult to feel energized; I’m tired at the beginning of the year. The holiday season is hard work. Overstimulation from spending, socializing, and planning wears me out. I’m also recovering from December’s excitement (and sometimes stress). The last thing I want to do at the start of a new year is set goals and try to stick to them. I just want to recuperate and rest.
So, for resolutions to feel less like work and more like inspiring ideas, waiting until spring to set them works better for me. When the weather gets warmer and flowers are in bloom, I set three simple goals for myself. They’re not grandiose; they’re measurable and flexible. And I’m confident that I can achieve them. Here they are:
1. Invigorate My Body: Get Outside and Get Moving
Being cooped up inside during the colder months makes me a bit of a couch potato. I often put on a few pounds from snacking and feel more sluggish than I’d like. Holing up in my house for so long can also take a toll on my mental health. The longer, colder nights and the isolation of winter can be triggering for bipolar depression.
I’m not making a resolution like “lose weight” or “join a gym.” Losing weight is tough, and obsessing over the scale like a hawk can feel frustrating. Besides, my day-to-day weight has no real bearing on my physical health. Joining a gym also isn’t ideal — it’s expensive, and past experiences have shown me that I rarely make it there regularly. But simply getting outside and moving, like taking a long walk in the fresh spring air, feels refreshing — and it’s free.
The best part is I don’t need to walk every day. If I fall off the wagon, it’s no big deal; I can just start again tomorrow. Getting out and walking also helps me feel more connected to my community. I notice things about my immediate surroundings that help me appreciate where I live.
Walking with friends is also a healthy and fun way to spend time with others. And energizing my body with even light outdoor exercise helps enliven my mind.
2. Invigorate My Mind: Learn Something New
During the doldrums of winter, I often feel mentally stagnant, like I’m stuck in a rut.
An effective way to shake off that feeling after a long, cold season is to dive into something new. Keeping my mind active by learning a new skill helps combat the mental slowing that can come with aging.
Art is my passion, so I’ve been exploring watercolor painting. It’s a calming way to let my mind drift while I think of new ideas. Plus, there’s a real satisfaction in seeing the final result — sometimes it even turns out beautifully. Each painting, successful or not, leaves me with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
3. Invigorate My Soul: Help Others Through Volunteering
While I enjoy some aspects of Christmas, the holiday season’s focus on material gifts has started to feel overwhelming. Each year, I’m reminded of just how commercialized our society can be. That’s why, one of my springtime resolutions is to give back to my community.
Volunteering feels like a breath of fresh air after the holidays. It doesn’t require a big time commitment or a major investment — even a few hours a month can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
It’s immensely gratifying to know I’m doing something worthwhile with my time, giving rather than simply taking from the world around me. Volunteering helps me grow as a person, too. Each time I help others, my soul fills with love and hope for the future. Helping others brings a renewed sense of purpose and joy that lasts long after each small act.
Keeping Resolutions Manageable and Meaningful
Dieting is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but as I mentioned, I can’t stand dieting — it’s restrictive, frustrating, and often sets me up for failure. Why would I intentionally put myself through that?
The solutions I’ve set, however, feel different. They’re not dreadful obligations; they’re more like healthy tools for self-improvement. I not only want to achieve these aims, but I also enjoy the process of working toward them.
RELATED: Keeping Resolutions Realistic With Bipolar
In spring, when the sun starts rising earlier, I plan to rise with it. I’m looking forward to the year ahead, and setting these positive, life-affirming goals — at the right time of year — feels refreshing. You might find that springtime resolutions work well for you, too.
UPDATED: Originally posted March 10, 2022