Once the New year celebrations will get over, a familiar feeling might wash over you – Finding faults in yourself which leads to the thrill of a fresh start and the urge to set new year resolutions. Am I right?
But this year, lets ditch the gym memberships and fancy diets.
And
Focus on something truly transformative: Your Mental Health!
The new year does not have to be a brand new you. Take out some time to do something fun and adventurous. Priorities your mental health over punishing yourself. New year resolutions need not have to be extremes, it can be as easy as setting your mental health goals.
This New Year, let's move beyond trendy fads and focus on a resolution that truly lasts. By prioritizing your mental health well-being, you're investing in a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling you. So, ring in the year with a commitment to self-care, positivity, and mindful living.
You can set your mental health goals with few tips –
Nourish your body as well as mind: Eat nutritious meals, drink lots of water, get enough sleep, and incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Experiment with new recipes and discover healthy meal routines that work for you. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Look for activities that you enjoy, like dancing, swimming, any sport or simply going for walks.
Establish boundaries: Boundaries are crucial to your mental well-being, but establishing them is not always easy to do. Priorities your time and needs without guilt. Setting boundaries helps you to set the tone for how you treat yourself and how you allow people to treat you. It helps you to be assertive and confidently state what you need.
Schedule quality time for yourself: Don’t ignore your thoughts and feelings. If you are feeling sad, anxious or angry, try getting to the cause of your feelings rather than ignoring them. Even if you have no control over the situation, you have control over how you deal with it. Ignoring your emotions will make everything worse. Dedicate daily or weekly time for activities you enjoy doing, like reading, nature walks, meditation, socializing with your friends or doing something creative.
Learn to say “Yes”: Try to step out of your comfort zone by saying yes more often to things that interest you. Saying yes to things that you want to try will help to discover a whole new side to yourself. Saying “yes” more doesn’t mean agreeing to things you don’t want to do, but about not letting fear stop you from trying things you want to do.
Learn to say “No”: Learn to say "no" to things that drain your energy or overwhelm you. Out of fear of letting others down, you end up stretching yourself. This can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and anger outburst. It is important to remember that it is ok to say "no" to things that you can’t do or don’t want to do.
Get professional help if needed: The topic of mental health, depression, anxiety, etc are often swept under the carpet. The stigma it carries can often make individuals afraid to ask for help when they need it most. Don't hesitate to seek professional support from a therapist, counsellor or mental health professional if you're struggling with your mental health. They can provide support, valuable guidance and tools to manage your challenges.
I hope this gives you some inspiration for creating your own mental health resolutions for the new year. Focus on your progress and not on perfection. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small wins. The best mental health resolution for you is one that resonates with your needs and goals. Choose something you're excited about and can commit to over time. Remember, prioritizing your mental wellbeing is an investment in yourself and your overall well-being.
Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress, and watch your mental wellbeing blossom with each passing day. Remember, you are worth it, and a brighter future awaits!
In this New Year try and surround yourself with those who support you and remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health!
Happy New Year 2024
