As 2022 is arriving, with all its uncertainty and challenges, you might be getting ready to dive headfirst into some new year’s resolutions. However, remember that new year goals don’t always have to be physical, grandiose, or even tangible. Setting mental health new year’s resolutions is just as important! Our mental health is the foundation for our relationships, careers, physical wellness, and everything else in our lives – so taking care of it is crucial. Think about giving these mental health resolutions a try this year.
- Practice daily gratitude
Saying “thank you” goes a long way. Whether you want to start a gratitude journal, begin meditating, or start each day just thinking about what you’re grateful for, practicing gratitude allows you to focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Over time, you’ll start thinking positively almost by default. It might feel silly at first, but when you shift your mind to focus on the positives, you’ll notice stress levels decrease and moments of happiness increase.
- Practice positive affirmations
We are often too hard on ourselves. Maybe you think you could be doing better at work, feel like you’re falling behind in school, or can’t keep up with the news of your friends and family. In the new year, be gentle with yourself. Saying or journaling affirmations, similarly to practicing gratitude, is a great way to refocus on the good in our lives. Positive statements can help you overcome negative or self-sabotaging thoughts. Check out this list of ideas to get you started.
- Incorporate “screen-free” or “social media free” days
Social media is a great tool for keeping up with close friends and families, but it can also contribute to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Doomscrolling these days is also a sure fire way to increase anxiety. Social media can be valuable when used intentionally and with care. However, if scrolling is starting to do more harm than good, try incorporating a few days a week or a month without it, or even limit your daily use to 15 minutes in the morning. Focus on being present. Being present and mindful not only makes us happier, but it can also help us deal with pain, fear, and anger more effectively.
- Ask for help
It’s impossible to do absolutely everything on our own. Just like we can’t tackle 45 tasks on a to-do list, sometimes tackling our emotions or thoughts can feel just as overwhelming. If you’re someone who tends to retreat and isolate themselves, make one of your mental health resolutions to simply be less afraid of asking for help. Find comfort in a trustworthy friend, a family member, or seek a professional opinion. Asking for help from the right people can help facilitate further development. These people create optimism and hope that we are able to deal with challenging situations, which improves our resilience.
If you’re looking for support to carry out your mental health new year’s resolutions and need expert opinions and treatments, see how we can help you today. The Ross Center is a premier mental health practice, delivering a full spectrum of sophisticated psychiatric and psychological services that result in meaningful change for you and your family. Contact us to book your first appointment.
