New Year’s Resolutions for Mental Health

There is no better time than now to begin engaging in some new healthy behaviors, as the new year is just around the corner. Resolutions for the new year can lead to increased motivation, a sense of accomplishment, and self-esteem; all of these factors play a significant role in an individual’s mental health. If you want to have something to look forward to when you get out of bed each morning, setting goals that are realistic and attainable is the way to go.

A recent study conducted on the topic of New Year’s resolutions found that approximately forty percent of Americans make resolutions at the beginning of each year, but fewer than fifty percent of them are successful after the first six months. We all want to make changes in our lives that are beneficial and have an impact, but the question is: how can we ensure that these changes are sustainable?

Maintain a grounded perspective. When making resolutions for the new year, it is important to give some thought to the changes you would like to see in your life as well as the steps you can take to make those changes a reality. There is a better chance that you will be successful in achieving your objectives if you break them down into manageable chunks and take baby steps toward achieving them.

This is true for every type of resolution, including those pertaining to mental health. Taking simple actions on a daily basis can help you better manage the symptoms of your mental illness.

New Year’s Resolutions You Can Adopt

The following New Year’s resolutions can be extremely helpful to your mental health in the coming year.

Commit yourself fully to a new experience. Get yourself a new pastime. Give whatever it is a shot, whether it’s something brand new that you’ve been thinking about trying or an old hobby that you let slip away over time. There is a good chance that it will turn out to be something about which you feel an intense level of enthusiasm and to which you look forward to devoting a lot of your time and energy. Your self-confidence will increase in tandem with your growing competence in the activity.

You could also make use of this time to educate yourself about something completely new while relaxing in the convenience of your own home. There is a plethora of specialized content available in the form of podcasts, webinars, and classes that can be taken on pretty much any subject imaginable.

The benefit of these is that they are easy to play in the background regardless of what activity you are engaged in at the time. Before you start cleaning up around the house the next time, put on a podcast for some background noise.

Assist those who need it.

When you donate your time, money, or energy to improving the lives of others, you not only make the world a better place, but you also improve yourself in the process. Research has shown that helping others and giving back to your community can improve your happiness, health, and overall sense of well-being.

It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and distract yourself from your own problems at the same time. Giving without expecting anything in return is a noble quality that is almost never overlooked.

Treat yourself with compassion.

Keep in mind that making changes does not happen overnight and takes some time. Everyone is capable of extending and receiving kindness. The difficulty lies in figuring out how to direct that kindness toward yourself. To be kind to yourself is beneficial for a variety of reasons, including the following:

• Being critical of your own actions will keep you focused on failure rather than success.
• You will evolve into a more upbeat and optimistic person as time goes on.
• A positive frame of mind can turn even the worst day into a better one.
• You can serve as a model for those who are around you.

Reduce how much time you spend in front of screens.

The amount of time you spend on your computer or phone can have a significant impact on the quality of sleep you get, your sense of well-being, and the connections you make with other people. When we spend too much time on particular social media platforms, it’s common for us to start comparing ourselves to other people we see on those platforms.

Apple products now include a reminder that you can set up to restrict the amount of time you spend in front of a screen on a daily basis. Make use of the Airplane Mode and the Do Not Disturb feature on your device. Make sure to put your phone somewhere you can’t reach when you’re working or engaging in other activities that you enjoy so that you’re not easily distracted.

Maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

As we move into the new year, make sure that you keep your expectations in check. Many individuals make the resolution, “This year, I am going to make significant improvements to every aspect of my diet.” In the end, this is way too difficult to accomplish. Modifying your diet should be approached gradually so that you do not shock your system all at once. The following are some suggestions for a healthier way of life:

• Consume a variety of nutritious snacks throughout the day to prevent binge eating at night.
• Every day, you can set a goal for at least half an hour for working out.
• When you’re in a hurry and need something to eat, stock up on fruits and vegetables that have already been cut up.
• Reduce the number of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume.

When you improve the quality of your diet, you will feel better in general, which will result in increased levels of energy and productivity. After a certain amount of time has passed and the goals have been consistently pursued, you can experience an increase in your level of self-confidence.

Take the time to care for yourself.

Create a list of the things that you enjoy doing for yourself as a form of self-care, and make doing those things a regular part of your schedule. This might take the form of structured therapy sessions, daily exercise, or even something as simple as going for a walk outside or spending time with loved ones.

Get more information about your mental health.

Understanding your mental health is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental wellbeing. You can find resources online that provide information about common conditions related to mental health and substance use, or you can speak with a medical professional to learn more about your circumstance.

You also have the option to enroll in a First Aid for Mental Health class. People are taught through MHFA to understand the signs and symptoms of common mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to recognize them and how to respond to them.

Create a few attainable goals that will have a long-lasting impact on your mental health and happiness rather than setting overly ambitious New Year’s resolutions that you expect to achieve in a single day.

Christian counseling to support your mental health.

The new year can be a great opportunity for a fresh start and to start the year with a positive attitude after the hectic holiday season. You may already have some plans for your New Year’s resolutions, such as joining a gym, spending more time with your family, searching for a new position or career path, or consuming less junk food.

If you have concerns about your mental health, you shouldn’t bear that burden into the new year. Act now and contact us to speak to a Christian counselor.