The New Year And Your Mental Health
Updated: Apr 4, 2022
We may be well into the new year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t choose to prioritize your mental health now. It’s never a bad time to make a resolution when you know there’s something you could/should do to better your well-being. Most people go into a new year with the best of intentions. But, if there’s anything most of us have learned over the last couple of years, it’s that life itself is uncertain. Throughout the pandemic, mental health issues have become more prominent. People are stressed, scared, anxious, lonely, and depressed. Maybe you’ve fallen into some of those “traps” yourself. It’s not too late to be your own advocate for your mental health. Let’s look at some ideas that can help you start fresh.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
It’s not always easy for people to dive into mental health self-care. But, almost everyone knows how to exercise and eat healthily. Sometimes, that’s the best place to start. The mind and body are more connected than you might think. Taking care of your physical health can have a positive influence on your psychological well-being. By prioritizing exercising, eating right, and getting enough sleep, you’ll start to see benefits like
Reduced stress
More energy
Boosted mood
Improved relaxation
As a bonus, of course, you’ll experience the physical benefits that come with taking care of yourself, so this tip is really a no-brainer!
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is a term that’s been thrown around a lot over the last few years. Unfortunately, that’s caused it to become misconstrued at times. Self-care doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money on yourself, and it doesn’t mean you need to do something luxurious every day.
Rather, it should be something that allows you to plan time for yourself and find the things that make you happy. Finding small moments of self-care every day is often better and more rewarding than doing something over-the-top.
Self-care looks different for everyone. For some, it might include a day at the spa or even a relaxing bath at home. For others, spending an afternoon with a close friend or reading a good book can be a fantastic way to prioritize your well-being. Strive to do something every day just for you. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, this is a great “resolution” to get behind, and a habit you can carry with you for a lifetime.
Consider a Digital Detox
If you’re already feeling overwhelmed and stressed this year, it’s important to consider the source. If you’re thinking about your mental health, there’s a good chance something in your life is triggering you to want to make a change. It could be someone in your life, a career situation, a relationship, or something completely different. For many, however, social media and a lifestyle overwhelmed with technology are contributing culprits.
With that in mind, it could be beneficial to do a “digital detox” for a while. You can set the parameters and rules of course, but a digital detox usually refers to cutting yourself off from technology for a period of time. If you need a computer or phone for work, you might consider just stepping away from social media for a while or turning devices off after the work day.
We’re inundated with information on a daily basis, and reading things that may or may not be true on Facebook doesn’t help. If tech is a source of stress for you, stepping away for a while can make a big difference.
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. It’s never too late to want to clean your slate and make your mental health a priority. Keep these ideas in mind to give yourself a fresh start this year, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for more help or feel you would benefit from someone to talk to.