The year end frenzy has a tendency to disturb even the most serene minds. Tasks accumulate at the workplace, relatives unite with aspirations, and holiday talk tends to revive individual vulnerabilities regarding careers, relationships, finances or achievements. Rather than happiness, many secretly bring tension, self-doubt and emotional exhaustion into the new year. After speaking with a mental health expert, here’s what we learned about coping better and protecting one’s emotional space.
"The end of the year often brings many stressful events, such as year-end quarter goals, or family gatherings through various festivals, where inevitably, discussions about family members’ lives —such as earnings, job positions, and relationships—inevitably take place and may produce self-doubt, frustration, and sadness in some individuals. Communication is not about winning arguments, it is about respect through speaking kindly, trying to see through others’ eyes, and sharing disagreements calmly," senior psychologist at Mpower, Rima Bhandekar explains.
How to achieve my goals?
"Calmness comes from within: Reflect on what’s behind your feelings of stress, anger points, painful moments. For this awareness to grow, ask yourself: What went well this year? What challenged me What did I learn about myself?"
"Writing these answers in a notebook or even your phone can give clarity and closure. Adopting a ‘growth mindset’ where we see ‘hardships’ as part of “learning" reduces stress and helps us stay emotionally balanced when things don’t go perfectly. For sustainable results, set your action based on ‘values’ for the upcoming year. We feel inspired and life feels full when we focus on what really matters to us," Bhandekar continued.
She also had a take on mental health just not being a routine thing.
"Remember, mental health is a journey—just like the seasons, moods change and flow. Feeling low sometimes is natural, but when the dark clouds remain for too long, seeking support is the wise step forward," the Mpower psychologist concluded.
As 2026 approaches, the objective isn't about being perfect, but it's about being emotionally stable. Being more compassionate to yourself, having more definite boundaries, and seeking help when you require it will make the year to come less draining and more intentional. The calendar will change automatically, but peace of mind will only result from decisions we deliberately make beginning with one truthful conversation, one more precise boundary, and one more wholesome habit at a time.
