Going into a new year can be a good time to make a change in your life. If you are working on changing your gambling, it can also be a good time to reinforce this with a New Year's resolutions, whatever stage of change you are at you can set yourself a goal that will help you start the new year off well.
What is a New Year's Resolution?
A New Year's resolution is a promise made by a person to themselves for the year, usually to address something they want to improve.
Since you are here, it’s likely you want to change your gambling; it makes sense to think about making a New Year’s Resolution that helps you work on making this change.
Finding your resolution
To get started, write a list of some things you could do to improve your life and reduce the impact gambling is having. Once you have done this, choose one of these goals as your resolution.
Be careful about the goal you choose, it's tempting to set yourself a big goal, but think about what is achievable for you at the moment, it’s important to make your goal realistic. Once you have reached one goal, you can set yourself another and slowly tick them off, don't forget to celebrate your achievements along the way
Need ideas?
Here are a few ideas for resolutions you could make:
- When I feel tempted to gamble I will call my counsellor or gamblers help.
- I will change my gambling routine to break the cycle. On days where I would have gambled I will plan activities like going for a walk or catch up for a coffee with friends.
- I will improve my physical health by eating healthy, exercising or sleeping better.
- I will try new things – i.e. joining a cooking class or trying yoga.
- I will avoid high-risk situations I know will make it hard to meet my goal – i.e. avoid carrying excess money, not going to gaming venues, having a plan on payday, or not gambling alone when bored or upset.
What next?
Now you have chosen your goal, make a plan for how you will achieve it. Having a plan and finding things that will help you achieve it can make the journey much easier.
To help you stay on track tell a person or a few people you trust about your New Year’s Resolution as their support can help.
Choose someone who understands where you are at and will support you, this small change that can have a huge impact on reaching your goals for the New Year.
Look after yourself
Also be kind to yourself, people who have changed their gambling may have had slips or lapses along the way, it’s a normal part of recovery. As you become more confident and find what works for you these slips will happen less often.
Remember you don’t have to do it alone! Our counsellors are here to help you anytime and we can also refer you to local services that can help you change your gambling.
Need help deciding what your resolution will be and how you will achieve it? You can confidentially chat with one of our counsellors now.
Find help near you,