New Year, New Habits: Mental Health Tips for 2021
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Are you feeling overwhelmed as we move into 2021? You’re not alone. Mental health is as crucial as ever and it’s important to take steps towards self-care and improving our well-being. Let’s take a look at ways to create better mental health habits in the new year.
Quick facts: Mental Health Tips For The New Year
- ✅ Mental health often takes a backseat to physical health in the new year, but it is essential to prioritize both. (Mental Health America)
- ✅ Of those surveyed, 69% of Americans feel that the coronavirus pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health. (American Psychiatric Association)
- ✅ Staying connected to family and friends is one of the best ways to take care of your mental health. (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- ✅ Exercise is an important tool to reduce stress and boost mental health. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
- ✅ Practicing mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. (American Psychological Association)
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New Years resolutions to improve your mental health and wellbeing
New Year’s resolutions to improve mental health and wellbeing can be a great way to get a head start on the new year. Taking actionable steps to better your mental state can make you feel more in control, confident and proactive. Asking for help is also key!
You can start by making small steps towards healthier habits such as getting consistent sleep and eating nutritious foods, for example cutting back on caffeine and sugar. Exercise is also important for managing stress levels, so being active regularly will be beneficial. Additionally, setting boundaries with family and friends is an important factor for personal wellbeing. Allocating time for yourself and learning to say no are both effective ways of self-care.
Finally, journaling or talking to a therapist are both great ways of getting an external perspective from a professional practitioner.
Practice Self-Love
When it comes to taking care of your mental health, self-love is a crucial habit to practice. There’s a lot of pressure during the holiday season to be joyful and merry, even when you don’t feel like it. Self-love prioritizes your own well-being, allowing you to take breaks when you need them and come back with more energy and enthusiasm.
It can be easy to neglect yourself in the hustle and bustle of life; try adding self-care activities into your routine so as not to overlook these important moments of peace. Whether that be reading a book or taking a hot shower with some calming music, find ways to take care of yourself before tending to others. Showing yourself love and respect is just as important as giving those same feelings out.
Do what you Love
Doing something you love is an effective and fulfilling way to manage your mental health during the holidays. Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, going on a bike ride, taking a yoga class, or simply curling up with a good book, make sure that you set aside time to do something that consistently leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
When managing your mental health during the holidays it’s also important to practice self-care. Self-care means different things to different people, so make sure that whatever activity you choose brings you joy and helps reduce stress. Find an activity that makes you feel grounded and allows you to take a break from worries or obligations for even just a few moments.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a mental health habit that’s easy to incorporate into your daily life and can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.
For example, thinking about the things in your life that you are grateful for can help lift your mood and reduce feelings of stress. Similarly, expressing thankfulness to those around you can help deepen meaningful connections. Practicing gratitude can also boost self-esteem and resilience; our thoughts are powerful, so shifting them to more positive territory can be beneficial in difficult times.
To get started with gratitude practice, try:
- Writing down three things you’re thankful for every day.
- Setting reminders throughout the day where you pause and look for moments of appreciation.
Maintain Physical Health
The connection between physical and mental health is indisputable. When we’re physically healthy, we’re more likely to think clearly, manage our emotions better, and generally feel happier. When we don’t pay attention to our physical health, it affects our mental wellbeing as well.
Therefore, one of the most important steps you can take to improve your mental health is to maintain your physical health. Exercise not only helps us stay in shape and look good; it also has a positive effect on our moods due to endorphins released during physical activity. Additionally, eating a balanced diet with all essential vitamins and minerals will give your body the fuel it needs and help ensure that it functions properly. Getting adequate sleep is another key factor in both physical and mental well-being. Finally, try to limit the use of alcohol or other drugs that can interfere with your overall health and wellbeing.
Forgive yourself
Forgiveness is a key component in maintaining mental wellbeing. While it might be easier said than done, it is important to forgive yourself for mistakes you have made. It’s natural to make mistakes and everyone has setbacks – don’t forget that while they can be difficult to cope with, they are part of life and learning experiences you can use to help you grow.
Allowing yourself to forgive the past will help lift the burden off your shoulders and will enable you to focus on the present moment, freeing your energy from negative emotions such as guilt and regret. Reflecting on lessons learned from these experiences can also help further remove negative feelings associated with them:
- Recognize that mistakes are part of life.
- Accept that you can’t change the past.
- Focus on the present and the future.
- Learn from your mistakes.
- Practice self-compassion.
Limit Social Media Use
Limiting social media use is a mental health habit to develop in 2021. Research has found that too much time spent on social media can become a burden and lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Taking regular breaks away from your devices allows you to refocus your energy and attention on the present moment rather than worries of the past or future. It also gives you the opportunity to spend time with family and friends or explore hobbies outside of your device for relaxation.
Other tips for managing your time online can include:
- Setting daily limits for yourself
- Scheduling times to check notifications
- Deleting apps from your phone
- Creating an outlet for yourself such as practicing yoga or reading a book that can help take away from the need to constantly be online.
Furthermore, Veteran mental health resources run by organizations like The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) are a great way for Veterans struggling with mental health issues in need of support to connect with trained professionals for assistance.
Focus on the Positive
One of the most important mental health tips for the new year is to focus on the positive. This could mean finding a silver lining in every situation or developing a habit of regularly celebrating small victories. When it comes to investing in your physical health, reflecting on something positive each day can help you stay motivated and remind yourself why striving for wellness is important.
Regularly engaging in activities that make you feel good can help support your overall physical and mental well-being. For example, try taking time out of your day to do something creative such as drawing, playing a musical instrument, or writing. You can also think about ways that you can get more active throughout the day such as taking walks or cycling outdoors (if it’s safe to do so). Staying physically active doesn’t have to be complicated—find activities that are enjoyable and easy for you to stick with!
Connect with Yourself
Connecting with yourself is an important step to improving your mental health. Taking the time for yourself to journal your thoughts, express your emotions, and be honest about how you’re feeling can help you process and cope with whatever you’re going through. This allows you to get in touch with yourself, recognize any patterns that may come up in your thoughts or emotions, and have a better understanding of what might be happening internally.
Keeping a journal or bullet-journal allows you to self-reflect and make progress towards positive mental health. Writing things down also gives you an outlet for expression without worrying about judgement or criticism. It’s a great way to get creative and use different mediums of expressing yourself such as:
- Writing in a notebook
- Using an app
- Typing on a computer
- Drawing
- Collaging
Establish Human Connect
Establish Human Connect is an important mental health tip for 2021, as it will help you remain connected with people during this difficult time. It’s extremely important to maintain social connections with friends, family, co-workers and even acquaintances as these form a network of support and can prevent feelings of isolation. Spending quality time with people who care about you can not only help boost your mental health but also help you destress.
Talking about how we feel can be difficult for some of us, but it’s essential to do so in order to get the right kind of help when needed. You don’t have to go through tough times alone—take the first step and reach out to somebody who cares about you.
FAQs about: mental health tips for the new year
Q1: What are some tips for staying mentally healthy during the new year?
A1: Here are a few tips to help you stay mentally healthy during the new year:
- Set achievable goals and work towards them
- Take part in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing
- Cultivate positive relationships with friends and family
- Practice self-care such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly
- Seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or if your mental health is deteriorating
Q2: What are some strategies for managing stress during the new year?
A2: Here are some strategies for managing stress during the new year:
- Learn to recognize stress triggers and develop coping mechanisms
- Take regular breaks from work or activities that cause stress
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation
- Exercise regularly to release endorphins
- Make time for fun activities or hobbies
Q3: How can I create a healthy environment for myself during the new year?
A3: Here are some tips for creating a healthy environment for yourself during the new year:
- Set boundaries and stick to them
- Minimize distractions and prioritize self-care
- Surround yourself with positive people and activities
- Practice gratitude and focus on the good in your life
- Create a routine and stick to it
