Do you make new year’s resolutions?

As one year ends and another begins, it’s common for people to set goals or intentions for the coming year.

Whether it’s improving some aspect of life, working toward a specific goal, or giving up a harmful habit, many see January as a fresh start.

Through resolutions, we often try to address addictive activity that can compromise our health and welfare — but that activity makes us “feel better” in a maladaptive way, which is why it’s easy to relapse, says Greg Thompson, a licensed mental health counselor and associate clinical director at Vashon Youth and Family Services (VYFS).

He recommends partnering with someone with the same resolve to change; that way you can work as a team to reinforce heathy alternatives.

One expert points to focusing on routines, rather than resolutions. Nir Eyal, author of “Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life,” explains that routines and habits are related, but not the same: “A habit is carried out with little or no thought, while a routine involves a series of behaviors which are frequently and intentionally repeated.”

In other words, we have to practice new behavior consistently in order for it to become a habit. But making positive change this time of year can be particularly challenging — with shorter days, less light, and cold weather.

Thompson reminds us that this is a time to recoup, and not do too much: “Our ancestors slowed way down after the harvest and took time to read, listen to music and socialize. This is a great time to take it easy and (not) put such high expectations on yourself or family.”

Whether you set a resolution or just want to make 2025 a little brighter, don’t muddle through the dark days of winter. Consider some of the helpful options available at VYFS:

Counseling: Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Licensed mental health counselors can address anxiety, depression, emotional challenges, and other behavioral health issues.

Family Place: A program hub for families and caregivers with young children (4 and under), Family Place offers a variety of free programs and activities at the Methodist Church, including open play times, facilitated playgroups, yoga for caregivers, parent education and support activities — all designed to strengthen resiliency and build community.

Healing Hearts: This program, which launched last fall, brings parents and caregivers together to discuss grief and loss with a creative focus that fosters meaningful conversations.

Parent Cafes: These peer-led conversations focus on “Protective Factors,” themes which help strengthen resilience and manage stress. Current cafes include the Dads’ Cafe and the Cafe for parents of LGBTQ children and youth, with new cafes for moms, parents of teens group, and a parents of neurodivergent children launching in 2025.

Parents as Teachers: This evidenced-based home visiting program offers bi-monthly visits focused on learning through play, child development and family well-being. Parents as Teachers (PAT) at Family Place is also hiring a program assistant — visit our website (vyfs.org) for a job description or more information about the PAT program.

Adventures in Recovery: This weekly Voice of Vashon radio show is hosted by our own Tom Walsten, the substance use disorder clinical supervisor at VYFS. Walsten discusses “Dry January” this month. Each Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., Walsten covers topics relating to recovery. Scheduled guests include a man waiting for a transplant and another person in recovery who now works as a recovery coach. Conversations are unrehearsed, honest and always interesting. Visit vyfs.org for a list of local 12 step meetings.

Oasis Resource Navigators: These are VYFS’ community advocates, connecting islanders to social services and supports provided by VYFS and other agencies. Bilingual navigators help stabilize, strengthen and empower islanders to improve their resiliency. Find them from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Food Bank, and from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays at the Methodist Church, or call VYFS for an appointment.

Resolutions can be powerful and motivating at first, only to fizzle out or become stressful later on. It’s worth looking deeper into your desired outcome and purpose of your resolution. We want to support you in making, keeping and/or getting a little closer to achieving your resolution.

VYFS fosters a thriving community of emotionally healthy and resilient children, youth, adults and families. We are here for your friends. We are here for your neighbors. We are here for you. Visit vyfs.org or call 206-463-5511.

Tiffany Schira is the fundraising and communications manager of VYFS.