Anxiety specialist in East of England encourages people not to pressure themselves this New Year

Forbes Advisor has revealed that almost a third (30%) of Brits will be setting New Year’s resolutions in 2024

Published 2nd Jan 2024
Last updated 2nd Jan 2024

Forbes Advisor has revealed that almost a third (30%) of Brits will be setting New Year’s resolutions in 2024.

Their research also shows "nearly one in five British people (18%) feel under pressure to set New Year’s resolutions.

"The younger age group (18-34 year olds) experiences this pressure the most, with over a third (37%) acknowledging this sentiment."

An anxiety specialist from the East of England, Stuart Thompson, wants people not to put too much pressure on themselves to change.

When we spoke to him, he understood the pressures that can arise with New Year's Resolutions and "new year new me" but wants people to acknowledge that change isn't always necessary.

"Do we need a new you? You might be absolutely amazing the way you are, so why do we need to change it?

"Maybe the New Year's Resolution you can adopt- is getting better at liking the person you are."

Stuart told us he likes the idea of New Year's Resolutions but wants people to be realistic about the resolutions they are setting for themselves, and encourages people to set achievable goals instead of loads all at once.

"Something is better than nothing - and I believe in that. That just making one small change can make the hugest difference. Just doing one thing for you each day, or doing one thing that makes you feel a bit better, focusing on doing a bit of self-care."

He also acknowledges resolutions don't have to start at the beginning of the year.

"Taking any day in the Year and saying I am going to re-evaluate my priorities and I am going to set myself new goals, that's important - but that can happen on the first of February, on the First of December etc."

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