5 New Year’s Resolutions for Mental Health
Not all New Year’s resolutions focus on finances, weight, and general health, some extend into our mental and emotional health as well. Here are some practical and manageable mental health resolutions that you may find helpful at the start of the New Year, as this can be a particularly hard time on our mental and emotional wellness.
1. Commit to being physically active each day.
Studies have shown there is a link between mental and physical health. Start light and incrementally increase the amount of time, repetitions and activities each day or week. Cultivate what works for you and begin finding a steady schedule that is manageable and still challenging!
2. If you feel overwhelmed by mental and emotional challenges, have the courage to seek help.
Asking for and finding help can be the hardest thing to do sometimes yet the most beneficial. While there is still a stigma associated with seeking the aid of mental health professionals in the US, seeking out the assistance of a certified professional to sort through our mental and emotional baggage is one of the healthiest things we can do.
3. Recharge your mental and emotional batteries.
Commit to carving out some time each day to “shutting down” and doing something for yourself that helps you rest. Research shows that taking purposeful breaks (anywhere from 5–30 minutes) from work and studies increases your energy, productivity, and ability to focus. Keep in mind: social media doesn’t work well as a “purposeful break” Whatever allows you to relax, it’s a great time of year to pick up a new hobby, start a new collection, etc.
4. Diligently speak nicely about and to yourself, treat yourself with respect and love.
All good things begin from within, and a positive outlook on ourselves is a key to attracting more positivity into our lives. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Try to catch yourself when you become negative and adjust accordingly to the situation with compassion and acceptance. Researchers have found that positive self-talk can help immensely with work performance, learning, self-awareness, and managing anxiety. Positive self-talk reframes the way we look at stressful situations and how we can approach them → Going from “this is too difficult” to “I can do this!”
5. Commit to being actively involved in your community somehow.
Whether you join a new local environmental group or start volunteering your time to one of the many foundations for the homeless or elderly, by serving others you heal, it’s that simple. The scientific evidence showing this is overwhelming. You will feel better about yourself while helping the people around you, cultivating a higher sense of self purpose and community. Get out there and be a part of something bigger than yourself!
Remember to take it one day at a time and do what works for you. No two people are the same biochemically so that means emotionally and mentally as well. We are all so unique, what works for someone else may not work for you. Keep adjusting, stay positive and patient with your mental processes and changes. See the new year as a beautiful adventure towards your self discovery and balanced wellness instead of a series of arduous obstacles. Be blessed, Happy New Year!
* The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease.
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