9 Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health in the New Year
Written by: Cora Gold
As the new year unfolds, it provides a fresh opportunity to set new goals. If you’re looking for a place to start the year right, one thing you can zero in on is your mental health.
Like any part of your body, your mind requires care and attention. Here are nine actionable tips you can do to prioritize your mental health in the following months.
Feed Your Brain
What you put inside your body can affect your mental health. Your gut acts like your body’s second brain, often called the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS communicates with the brain and can trigger mood changes caused by constipation, diarrhea, and other stomach problems.
Paying attention to what and how you eat is the first step in ensuring you get enough nutrients to support your mind and body. Lessen your processed food intake because the unhealthy fats can make you feel sluggish and decrease the focus needed to conquer the day.
Move Your Body
Daily physical activity can help boost your mental alertness and lift your mood. You don’t have to pressure yourself to go to the gym daily. Start slowly by taking 10-minute morning walks, playing sports on the weekend or even doing household chores.
If you find it challenging to stick to a routine, consider finding an accountability partner to join you in the gym or during yoga sessions. That way, you can give and receive motivation.
Get Better Sleep
Quality rest is vital but mostly overlooked. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, squeezing in eight hours of sleep may sound impossible. However, if you prioritize it, you will enjoy many mental health benefits, such as better concentration and productivity.
You can start improving your sleeping habits by implementing sleep hygiene — setting consistent times for dozing off and waking up. Limiting electronic gadget usage at bedtime also helps you get quality nighttime rest.
Adopt a Pet
A pet can give so much more than companionship. Dogs, for example, offer therapeutic effects because they can help people calm down when feeling stressed or anxious. Petting and hugging your furry companion can also ease loneliness, especially if you’re living alone.
Your pet doesn’t necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. Birds can encourage social interaction, while rabbits make great choices for those with allergies.
Make Time for Friends and Family
No man is an island. Humans are intrinsically social creatures who crave connection. Beyond companionship, socialization can also help reduce stress levels, boost mood, and eliminate feelings of loneliness.
With the power of social media, reconnecting with friends and family is just a few taps away. You may worry about your loved ones being busy, but reaching out is worth the effort. Take this as your sign to text or invite someone for a video call today.
Take a Breather
A new year gives you a clean slate and a chance to enjoy new experiences. Give your mind a much-needed break by going on a trip. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive — it can be as simple as visiting a long-distance friend, hiking a mountain, or enjoying a staycation with your family.
Traveling opens you to new perspectives and gives you a better outlook on life. It can also trigger moments of gratitude, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Transform Your Self-Talk
Combating negative self-talk sounds easier said than done, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Remember that your thoughts are not facts. When you find your inner critic is saying something unpleasant, try replacing it with a positive affirmation. Repeat until you do it less often.
If you find it challenging to stop your train of negative thoughts, change the intensity of your language. Instead of saying, “I can’t do it,” change it to, “This is difficult.”
Stop Saying Yes To Everything
Do you find yourself saying “yes” and volunteering to take things on when you don’t want to do it in the first place? Sometimes, in the name of pleasing and helping others, you deny yourself the opportunity to focus on what matters to you.
Your time is a valuable resource. When you find it hard to say no, start with the stalling technique by saying, “I’ll let you know.”
Be Easy on Yourself
Remember to take the process gently and slowly. You don’t have to do everything all at once. It may take some time to figure out what works best for you, so remain patient and dedicated to your goal.
When you encounter bumps along the way, remember that mistakes don’t equate to failure. It’s the best way to improve. Start embracing mistakes while figuring out what system best fits your lifestyle and makes you feel good about yourself.
New Year, New Habits
There are many ways you can prioritize your mental health this new year. Try out any of these actionable tips to see which works best. By this time next year, you’re sure to be feeling confident, happy, and healthy.