New Year Brings Hope

Nepali New Year has arrived with an upsurge of change and progress as national politics has shifted to a more optimistic stance. Already, the newly formed government has made sweeping changes as it had promised in the election campaigns. While some of its policies have raised questions, overall, there seems to be a consensus that the government is veering towards the right direction. It is thus with high hopes that Nepalis are gearing up for the New Year.

Talking of the New Year, what implications does it have for you? Certainly, it could imbue you with a sense of renewal. Psychologists call it mental resetting as a year ends and another begins. Mental resetting usually occurs when people tend to pause, which is what the New Year is all about. It signals human minds to slow down and recalibrate. Psychologists assert that mental health reset works to realign our emotional and psychological state. Often, we tend to run our lives on autopilot and in the hustle of daily life, we forget to reconnect with ourselves. However, resetting our minds doesn’t mean erasing everything. 

It indicates a harmonisation of emotions, thoughts and responses to overcome the chaos of life. It also helps us shift between perspectives, which is linked to neuroplasticity. According to neuroscience, our brain is able to rewire itself under the right conditions. And it can take place at all stages of our lives, regardless of age. As is said, change is the only constant, as is testament to the cyclical nature of the universe. Days, weeks and months go by but it appears as if the New Year occurs all of a sudden. And it is the nature of time to move forward. Remarkably, people do not mourn the passing of a year; instead, they look forward to a new year. 

It shows that it is in human nature to celebrate new beginnings. It is apparent in the yearly celebration of birthdays and rites of passage in human life. Tied to them are the feelings of novelty. People, tired of the mundanity of their lives, look forward to a new lease on their lives. Not surprisingly, people pledge to change themselves or their lives in the New Year, whether it is getting in shape or reading more and scrolling less on the phone. Many thus prefer to cultivate good habits for their mental well-being. 

In a world of instant gratification, slow living signals a better approach to life. Instead of hurrying to reach our resolutions, it can help to slow down and take consistent steps. Tiny, consistent steps are the best way to achieve our goals. You may not prefer to exercise every day but if you do show up even if it is for a 15-minute workout, it can add to a long run. A fast pace of life can be detrimental to health. It is an age in which people prefer to hustle, multitask and seek out instant dopamine rushes. It isn’t any wonder that mental resets have become more important than ever.

The gist is that our minds require occasional breaks to reset and recalibrate. While the New Year comes with new possibilities, we have to be cautious not to overexert ourselves. Life is a journey, not a destination.