It’s a new year and that means it’s time for some New Year’s resolutions! But this year, instead of resolving to lose weight or save money, why not focus on improving your mental health?
With life’s challenges, responsibilities, and endless stress, you may find yourself barely making it to the end of the finish line come December 31st.
But what if this next year was different? What if 2023 was the year you finally made a change? The year you took control of your mental health and made it a priority?
If you’re someone that struggles with your mental health, a new year can be the perfect opportunity to finally devote yourself to overcoming those mental roadblocks and living a more peaceful, fulfilling life.
Sound interesting? Let’s talk about it!
The Basics:
Before we dive into specific New Year’s resolutions that can help improve your mental health, let’s cover the basics. Keeping these tips in mind while committing to healing your mind will give you a framework for staying on track.
1. Set Realistic Goals:
The first step is to set realistic goals for yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. Maybe your goal for this year is to attend one social event per month or to make a weekly phone call to a friend or family member. Setting small, achievable goals will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
2. Seek Professional Help:
If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
There’s no shame in admitting that you need help, and there are plenty of resources available to you. You can start by talking to your primary care physician, or by searching for a therapist in your area.
3. Take Time For Yourself:
This year, make sure to put yourself first and make self-care a priority. This might look like taking some time for yourself every day or setting aside one day each week to do something you enjoy.
Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that makes you happy and helps you relax.
4. Join a Support Group:
If you’re looking for additional support, consider joining a support group.
There are groups available for all kinds of issues, from anxiety and depression to addiction and grief. Being around others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful, and it can also help you feel less alone.
5. Talk About Your Mental Health With Others:
One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is to talk about it with others. This doesn’t mean that you have to tell everyone all about your struggles, but it does mean being open about it when the opportunity arises. Talking about mental health can help break the stigma and make it easier for others to seek help when they need it most.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Resolutions:
Everyone’s mental health journey is unique, meaning everyone’s mental health resolutions will look different.
Here are some ideas for mental health New Years’ resolutions that can help you get on the path to a better, healthier you.
1. Get Organised:
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to get organised. This means setting up a routine and sticking to it, decluttering your space, and getting rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose in your life.
When you’re well-organised, it’s easier to focus on the things that matter and let go of the things that don’t. Plus, gaining a sense of control over your environment can do wonders for your peace of mind.
2. Journaling, Everyday:
Journaling is a phenomenal way to help relieve stress, work through emotions, and find solutions to our problems.
By writing down what’s going on in your mind you allow yourself to clear your head and put it down all onto paper. Some people find gratitude journaling (writing a daily list of things they’re grateful for) incredibly helpful in cultivating a more positive attitude.
Whatever the case may be, commit to journaling, even for 5 minutes a day. Yes, that’s all you need to start reaping the benefits!
3. Meditation: After Waking, or Before Bed
Due to trauma, unresolved emotions, or simply because we live in a chaotic digital world, many of our bodies are trapped in a state of chronic ‘fight or flight’.
In fact, it’s in this state we experience anxiety disorders. Taking time to meditate even for 10 minutes upon waking, or before bed is proven to help calm our nervous system and regulate our emotions.
When you meditate, you force your body and mind to be present in the ‘here and now’, rather than ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. This simple act is powerful and can help you make giant strides in healing and self-exploration.
4. Set Boundaries:
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed easily or saying “yes” when you really want to say “no,” it’s time to commit to setting some boundaries.
Learning how to say “no” is an important skill and one that will serve you well in all areas of your life. Keep in mind that you don’t have to please everyone all the time – sometimes it’s more important to take care of yourself.
Remember – boundaries are NOT for the other person, they’re solely for you.
Boundaries are a fundamental part of our well-being. When we extend ourselves too far for others we leave little to no room for ourselves. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
5. Practice Self-Care:
We live in a world that is always on the go.
From jobs to children, to personal responsibilities, the tasks on our to-do list can be endless.
Taking some time at the end of the day to focus on you and nobody else can be a wonderful act of self-love.
When you cultivate a relationship of self-love within yourself your confidence begins to build, you become more resilient, and you’re able to see your goals more clearly.
Setting a resolution of self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate. Find something small that brings you joy and incorporate it into your day. You deserve to be loved, too.
Contact Addcounsel today to learn more about our luxury rehab and mental health treatments.
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