It’s important to focus on your mental health in the new year. This can be a challenging time for many, with the holiday season coming to an end and the pressures of the new year looming ahead. The time to start taking care of ourselves and practicing self-compassion is now. But the realm of mental health is a broad one, and we’ve got some great tips for those who just don’t know where to start. Remember, it doesn’t take much to spark some magic in your life.
Revitalize Your Mental Health in the New Year
It’s time to start this new year off the right way! Brazen ideas about a “new you” hitting the streets have got to channel up some inner courage. While there’s nothing wrong with hopping on the treadmill and hitting your water goals, the real work starts from within. Grab your vision boards and check out our list for being intentional about your mental health this year.
1. Set Achievable Goals
One of the most useful things you can do for your mental health is to set goals that are realistic and achievable. All that “resolution” talk can be stressful, but goals can spark creativity and encouragement. According to Rebecka Warren, Clinic Manager at Centerstone, a nonprofit health facility, “[Goals] can add more happiness in your life and alleviate whatever struggles you might be going through during this time of year.”
So, chill out! This doesn’t have to be the year you change your life, but this can be the year you take actionable steps to better the quality of your life. It all starts with setting healthy expectations. When setting your goals, make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you stay motivated.
2. Practice Self-care
Set aside some time to do things you enjoy and that also make you feel good about yourself. This is an area where it’s super important to know yourself (and if you don’t know yourself—now’s a great time to start!). Become acquainted with your likes once more. Remember what lit you up as a child. The trick is to do the things you never have time for. Soon enough, you’ll be wondering why you ever stopped in the first place.
Another way to practice self-care is getting enough rest. Did you know almost 70 million Americans have trouble getting to sleep? That’s why we developed Rest-ZZZ with Melatonin and GABA to make getting adequate rest easier. Restfulness is a cornerstone element of self-care and crucial for maintaining good mental health.
3. Seek Support
If you’re struggling to focus on your mental health in the new year, remember you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many resources available to help you get the support you need. Seeking help can be a difficult step to take, but it can be incredibly beneficial in helping you to manage your mental health and improve your overall well-being. Some options for seeking support include talking to a therapist or counselor, joining a support group, or reaching out to friends and loved ones.
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4. Stay Organized
A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Maintaining organization can be key to managing our mental health. Studies have found a link between disorganization and feelings of stress and mental anguish. Moreover, staying organized can help us to feel in control and on top of things, which can have a positive impact on our mental well-being.
To stay organized, it can be helpful to create and maintain a schedule, make to-do lists, and declutter personal spaces. It’s also important to be flexible and allow for some room for deviation from our plans. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal — the goal is to find a system that works for you. This will help you to feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Focusing on the present moment can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. There are many different mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, that can help you stay present and focused. Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine and see how it affects your mental health.
How to Journal for Mental Health
Journaling for mental health has become a popular way for people to turn inward. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can ease your mind from racing thoughts. It’s also an opportunity to look at your feelings closely. Dive into where they came from and honestly ask yourself if they are valid. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Write every day. On average, it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become a habit. Get into a routine and stick with it!
- Use prompts. Popularity has made journaling easy. There are guided entries and prompts online that can start you off. Find a journal you like and go forth.
- Entice yourself. A catchy cover caught your eye? What about a pen you just can’t put down? Add these props to your “Journal Toolkit.” You’ll enjoy writing if you’re using tools that bring you joy.
Your Year, Your Mental Health
This year is all about you and your health. By implementing these strategies, you can start the new year off on the right foot and set the stage for a healthy and happy year ahead. This year’s all about magic! Dare to dream a better, healthier future. LifeSeasons is on board to take the ride with you.