Dr. Katie Boyd, Licensed Psychologist

January blues are a real thing. Normally, we feel a little down after the holiday festivities are over. This year is a bit different. Maybe you didn’t get to see family. Maybe you couldn’t experience your usual traditions. Maybe you feel a bit disconnected. Whatever you’re feeling, you aren’t alone. Counter it by finding a sense of community. Do something fun like joining a virtual class. Send snail mail gratitude letters to the people you love. Volunteer to give out food at ...a local food bank. Start a workout challenge with your family and keep tabs on each other’s progress. Have a weekly check-in with your therapist. It may not always feel like it, but you’re part of a community that needs you as much as you need them.

Just because we have work to do on ourselves doesn’t mean we have to do that work alone. People seek out trainers when they want to gain physical strength. People seek out teachers when they want to improve their skills.... And people seek out therapists to work toward being their best selves. Whether your goal this year is to better understand yourself, work through anxiety, or develop healthier habits, a therapist can support you.

I don't know who needs to hear this, but chasing perfection will always leave you frustrated.

We’ve all been there. Thinking, At least tomorrow is Friday, only to realize that no, tomorrow is actually Tuesday. (That’s basically what all of 2020 felt like, tbh.) Change your mood so you don’t dread the rest of the week. Take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished so far, no matter how small.... Do a task that you’ve been avoiding -- make a phone call you’ve been putting off or do that tedious paperwork; it’ll be a big win that makes the rest of the week feel easier by comparison. Think about the things that you are grateful for Mindfully have sensory experiences that bring you joy: Eat something delicious and savor it, use a refreshing facial mist that smells really good, play a song that transports you to your happy place.

You are not defined by your job title. You are not defined by your relationship status. You are not defined by your successes and your failures. ... You are not defined by what other people think of you or the roles they assign to you. You are not defined by your own anxieties or fears. You are beyond any definition. The sum of your parts are greater than you can ever imagine. Carry that knowledge with you through 2021 and beyond.