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According to psychiatrist Priyanka Srivastava, the pressure to project wealth and beauty for social validation can negatively affect mental health and overall well-being
While New Year’s resolutions often focus on weight loss, managing stress is often overlooked. (Representative/Shutterstock)
The well-known English proverb, ‘Health is wealth’, rings especially true at the start of a new year. People often resolve to lose weight, join gyms, exercise more, and monitor their diets, yet they frequently overlook the importance of promising themselves good mental health. Our brain plays a crucial role in regulating our body’s functions. When our brain is healthy, our entire body benefits. Conversely, when the mind is under stress, it can negatively impact various organs, including the heart, stomach, and kidneys.
The desire for wealth and attractiveness
A Statista survey on resolutions for 2025 revealed that financial goals, particularly saving money to accumulate wealth, topped the list. This was followed by resolutions focused on physical well-being, such as losing weight, eating healthily, and exercising. However, a 2023 Forbes Health survey indicated that New Year’s resolutions often lose momentum within four months.
Psychiatrist Priyanka Srivastava suggests that the pervasiveness of social media contributes to this phenomenon. The pressure to project an image of wealth and beauty for social validation and status enhancement can negatively impact mental health.
Weight Loss and Stress: A Complex Relationship
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become ubiquitous. Whether it stems from demanding jobs, financial anxieties, or strained relationships, stress has permeated our lives. While New Year’s resolutions often focus on weight loss, managing stress is often overlooked. However, neglecting stress management can significantly hinder weight loss efforts.
Elevated stress levels lead to an increase in cortisol, a hormone that can impede weight loss. Cortisol can inhibit muscle relaxation, rendering exercise less effective. Therefore, addressing and mitigating stress is crucial for achieving sustainable weight management. When stress levels are reduced, the body can better regulate cortisol, paving the way for more effective weight control.
Overeating and Depression
Depression can often lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, including poor eating habits. Individuals experiencing depression may find themselves eating at irregular hours, consuming unhealthy foods, and overeating. This lack of mindful eating can exacerbate both physical and mental health. By focusing on improving mental well-being, individuals may naturally adopt healthier lifestyles, including mindful eating, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
People Have Become Selfish
According to the book ‘The History of New Year’s Resolutions and Celebrations’, making a promise to oneself on New Year’s is a very old trend. Five thousand years ago, in the Babylonian civilisation of Mesopotamia, people used to make resolutions. New crops were grown in the new year, and in such circumstances, people promised the king to repay loans on time and improve crops.
Once, New Year’s resolutions represented a desire for self-improvement. Today, the focus has shifted. People are increasingly preoccupied with self-image, prioritising outward appearances over genuine personal growth. This desire manifests in resolutions aimed at achieving superficial goals.
Losing weight to fit into old clothes or aspiring to social media fame are prime examples. Psychiatrist Priyanka Srivastava observes, “The ‘I’ has become so dominant that people have forgotten the word ‘we’. Their focus is solely on themselves, and even then, it revolves around material possessions.”
Make a promise to yourself in this way
Making a promise to oneself as a New Year’s resolution is easy, but fulfilling it can be challenging. In today’s era, negativity surrounds us, impacting our minds. For good mental health, changes are necessary in the new year.
Priyanka advises prioritising self-love, believing it fosters positive habit formation. She suggests resisting the urge to check your mobile phone first thing in the morning and keeping it away during meals. Furthermore, she recommends banishing it from the bedroom at night. Rekindling old friendships by scheduling weekly meetups and dedicating time to hobbies is also encouraged.
Priyanka emphasises quality time with family, free from gadgets, at least once a week. Engaging in activities like playing with children, cycling, or enjoying dinner together strengthens familial bonds. Incorporating meditation into your bedtime routine is also beneficial. Dedicating time to loved ones strengthens relationships, provides familial support, and alleviates stress. All these activities contribute significantly to positive mental health.
