Kickstart 2021 with These Mental Health Tips for the New Year
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Struggling with mental health in 2021? You’re not alone! Discover how to make this year your best ever by implementing these helpful mental health tips to kickstart the year.
Quick facts: Mental Health Tips For New Year
- ✅ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 adults in the United States have a mental health condition. (Source: CDC.gov)
- ✅ The 2020 Mental Health America survey revealed that 7 in 10 Americans are facing increased levels of stress due to the pandemic. (Source: MentalHealthAmerica.net)
- ✅ According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 41 percent of adults reported experiencing mental health symptoms in the past year. (Source: ADAA.org)
- ✅ A survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) showed that 79 percent of Americans feel it’s important to prioritize mental health in 2021. (Source: NAMI.org)
- ✅ A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. (Source: WHO.int)
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New Years Resolutions to Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
The start of a new year is an exciting time for many and can bring about renewed motivation to make positive changes. And one of the best ways to do this is by setting goals for your mental health. Creating resolutions and goals related to your mental health can help increase self-awareness and give you clarity on how to improve overall wellbeing in 2021.
Some New Year’s resolutions that can help boost mental health include:
- Taking a break from technology
- Practicing mindfulness
- Getting outside more often
- Focusing on self-care
- Prioritizing healthy habits such as getting enough sleep and eating nutritious foods
- Networking with other people
- Engaging in creative activities or hobbies
- Staying active
- Setting realistic expectations for yourself
- Developing healthy stress management strategies
All of these goals will help promote healthy mental well-being throughout the year that will hopefully carry into 2022.
Connect with other people
One of the best ways to prevent and manage bipolar disorder is to connect with other people. Building strong relationships with family, friends, and healthcare professionals is essential for managing the condition. Support from loved ones can help to improve your mood and provide comfort when times are tough. Socializing regularly helps to combat loneliness and social isolation, which can be risk factors for developing bipolar disorder in the first place.
In addition to connecting with people through conversation or activities, there are many online resources that offer support in managing bipolar disorder. These include discussion forums and websites where those suffering from mental health problems like bipolar disorder can share their experiences or seek advice on how to cope. Joining a support group can also provide a sense of community as you learn how others live with their diagnosis while providing valuable advice on navigating life with bipolar disorder.
Be physically active
Physical activity has multiple benefits for our mental health. Regular exercise can help us to feel better about ourselves and reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise can be anything from a walk around the block to an intense workout at the gym; it’s all about finding what works for you. Additionally, when we are physically active our body releases endorphins which can create feelings of pleasure or euphoria, helping to improve our overall mood.
When starting any new physical activity it is important to be aware of our physical limits and start off slowly so that we are able to build up strength and endurance over time. Making exercise a regular part of your routine will help ensure that you are able to maintain motivation and reap the mental health benefits associated with physical activity.
Learn new skills
Medical School Syndrome, or MSS, is a term used to describe the mental health problems caused by a combination of the academic pressures associated with studying medicine and the burdens of everyday life. It can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue and even burnout.
To help combat Medical School Syndrome, it’s important to develop skills and habits that will help you cope with the pressures of medical school and care for your mental well-being. Start by learning new skills—such as mindful meditation or time management techniques—that can help you cope with challenging situations during this time. Additionally, establish a daily routine that includes appropriate breaks from studying and other activities throughout each day; this will help maintain balance in your life. Finally, connect with friends or family members who can offer support when needed or join online support groups for medical students where you can share tips for managing stress and other issues related to MSS.
Give to others
Giving to others is a great way to start the new year feeling more connected and appreciated. One way to give back is through volunteering your time or donating money or goods to those in need.
There are many organizations dedicated to helping individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and their families, such as The Trevor Project, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and Campus Pride. Additionally, research local service organizations that offer mental health resources for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Volunteering at these organizations can be a great opportunity to meet other people with similar experiences and build community bonds.
Donating money or goods can help keep organizations afloat that provide vital services for members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those who are struggling with mental health issues.
Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It allows us to slow down, observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, and become more accepting of ourselves. With regular practice, mindfulness can help us become more aware of our own biases, in order to create healthier relationships with ourselves and others.
In order to practice mindfulness, start by observing your breath as it moves in and out. You can also observe your thoughts as if they were passing clouds – letting go of any that don’t serve you. As you become comfortable with focusing on the present moment, begin to notice how you are feeling emotionally and mentally in that space; this will help you gain awareness into your biases and other underlying triggers that affect your thought patterns day-to-day.
As we leave 2020 behind and enter 2021, the coming year is a chance to start anew with a sound mental health. To kickstart the New Year on a positive note, an exclusive psychologist has shared her top ten tips for maintaining good mental health.
The tips range from taking breaks when work or study becomes overwhelming, to setting healthy boundaries in relationships; from getting plenty of sleep and exercise, to focusing on one’s personal goals and ambitions. Exercising mindfulness by engaging in experiences that bring joy such as mindfulness meditation, yoga or art therapy is also encouraged to give an individual an emotional reset. Additionally, talking to family and friends or seeking professional help if needed are key tips for the New Year.
By taking into account these important pieces of advice from a psychologist specialising in mental health issues; individuals should be better equipped to manage their emotions throughout 2021 and keep their mental wellbeing maintained for years ahead.
Focus and Unfocus
Focus and Unfocus is a great way to take action on mental health and reap rewards in the new year. It involves focusing on one task, activity or thought at a time, until you feel it has been completed. This helps to reduce stress levels as well as being mindful of what’s going on in the present moment.
Then unfocusing can be achieved by spending some time with yourself where you are able to switch off completely from anything related to work, school or home. This could involve:
- Stretching
- Writing down your feelings in a journal
- Taking part in creative activities such as painting, drawing and photography.
If it feels too daunting to focus on one thing for an extended period of time, aim for five minutes at first and then add more time if needed. This can be especially helpful for people who struggle with multitasking or have difficulty concentrating.
Practice Self-Love
Practicing self-love is essential to good mental health. This includes taking care of yourself physically, by doing activities that make you feel better and being active.
Exercise is an important part of self-care as it helps to reduce stress, boosts mood, and encourages better sleep habits. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity several times a week. It can be something as simple as a walk around your neighborhood or more structured like yoga or running. You don’t have to commit to a rigorous workout regimen; the goal is simply to move your body in some way each day that makes you feel good. Taking the time for exercise can boost energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Do what you Love
Doing what you love on a regular basis can be an effective way to promote mental health and wellbeing in seniors. Whether it is reading, painting, gardening, playing board games with family or friends, engaging in hobbies can help seniors feel more connected to other people and the world around them. It is also a great way for them to stay active and reduce their risk of loneliness and isolation.
Additionally, when seniors do something enjoyable they may experience a boost of endorphins and endorphin-like substances that are believed to improve moods and reduce stress levels. Taking up a hobby or activity helps keep the brain engaged while stimulating creativity which can also have positive effects on mental health.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is one of the primary mental health tips for the New Year. The act of reflection, appreciation and thankfulness has been proven to help individuals focus on the positive elements in their lives. It helps improve sleep, mood and even physical health.
Gratitude can be practiced in several ways—from writing a list of things to be thankful for each day, to sending thank-you cards or participating in “Random Acts of Kindness.” Taking the time to recognize good moments and appreciate what life has done for you can help reduce stress and lift your spirits overall. Taking a few moments each day or once a week to reflect on all that you are thankful for can also go a long way in setting yourself up for success this year!
Maintain Physical Health
Physical health is an essential part of overall wellbeing, especially for children and young adults. Keeping up with regular physical activity can help maintain a strong immune system, keep bones and muscles healthy, regulate emotions and mood, and even improve mental health. Exercise naturally releases endorphins which help to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol.
Simple activities like walking, jogging, cycling or swimming can provide both physical and mental benefits. Good nutrition is also important in promoting healthy development. Eating a balanced diet that features plenty of nutritious fruits and vegetables helps to energize the body and boost the immune system. Establishing daily healthy eating habits early on can create a solid foundation for lifelong wellness.
Forgive yourself
The act of forgiveness is often more difficult to do for oneself than for others. But self-forgiveness is an important part of healing and moving forward. Self-forgiveness acknowledges what happened, expresses regret and understanding, and encourages growth. It helps you take the first step towards shifting your mindset and recognizing the power you have in controlling your own behavior.
Start the new year with a commitment to yourself by forgiving yourself for any mistakes or shortcomings from 2020, or any prior years. Embrace all that you are, accept who you are now and how far you’ve come – both to celebrate yourself and give yourself permission to continue growing as an individual.
Small acts of self-care like
- writing down three things you did well today
- recognizing your accomplishments
- practicing self-compassion
will help promote feelings of self-acceptance. Remember that tomorrow is another chance to start fresh!
Limit Social Media Use
Limiting your time on social media can have a big impact on your overall mental health. Too much time spent scrolling through feeds or comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of insecurity, sadness, and loneliness.
To avoid these negative feelings, try limiting the amount of time you spend each day looking at social media pages. You can do this by:
- Setting a specific limit for each day
- Deciding to only check social media at certain times of the day like an hour after you wake up or two hours before you go to sleep
Taking breaks from social media every week or so can also be beneficial as it allows you to focus on other hobbies or activities in your life and prioritize relationships with people in the real world.
Focus on the Positive
Focus on the positive – This mental health tip is all about developing an attitude of positivity toward yourself and others. While it’s OK to have negative thoughts, it’s important to focus on what we do have and what we can appreciate. Identify one thing each day that you’re grateful for, like having a roof over your head or a family member who has been supportive.
Try replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts, such as “I’m good enough” or “I’m doing the best I can”. This will help to foster a more optimistic outlook on life, even when things get tough. Just remember that no matter how hard life gets, there will always be something that brings you joy. Remind yourself of the value that you bring to the world and practice self-care such as:
- Exercising
- Eating right
- Getting enough sleep each night
As you pay more attention to the positive aspects of your life, this will lead to overall betterment of mental well-being.
Connect with Yourself
Connecting with yourself is an important part of improving your mental health. This means taking the time to reflect on your personal values and goals, assessing how you are feeling, and how you can take better care of yourself.
Technology can help us with this by allowing us to easily track thoughts and feelings, as well as set goals for ourselves. Popular apps such as Headspace and 10% Happier offer guided meditations and daily tasks that help focus on our personal wellbeing. Other helpful apps include Moodnotes for tracking moods, or Momentum for setting achievable goals.
Using apps allows us to be aware of our emotions so we can understand them better and make more informed decisions about ourselves and our lives. They also allow us to feel supported in times of difficulty by providing easy access to mental health resources like therapists or support groups when needed.
Establish Human Connect
Establishing human connections is a vital part of managing mental health. Human interactions can ease loneliness, provide encouragement and understanding, and tend to be the most beneficial form of therapy. To establish human connections:
- Reach out to family and friends. Ask them how they are doing and what’s going on in their lives. You may be surprised by how much you have missed each other!
- Connect with other people who share similar interests or struggles as you do to form an online or offline support system.
- Participate in activities such as volunteering or joining a club that allow for social interaction with different people.
- Make sure to give yourself time for self-care; physical exercise has been known to help lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Remember, the power of connection is invaluable when it comes to mental health issues; it can make all the difference!
9 Tips from Our Supporters to Help You Care for Yourself and Alleviate Stress
Self care is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s especially important to focus on as we enter 2021. At Kickstart 2021, we asked our supporters for their best tips on how to care for yourself and alleviate stress. Here are nine tips from our supporters to support your mental wellbeing this new year:
- Make time for yourself: set aside time each day when you can relax, reflect and recharge.
- Find positive outlets: whether it’s journaling, talking with friends or engaging in creative activities, find outlets that bring you joy.
- Celebrate small successes: acknowledge the incremental wins throughout your day- they all add up!
- Practice gratitude: there’s a lot to be thankful for; even if things are tough, pause and recognize the good in life.
- Get enough sleep: prioritize getting enough sleep so that you can tackle the day with greater energy and focus.
- Show yourself kindness: take a break from negative self-talk or criticism; focus instead on celebrating your strengths.
- Connect with others: build meaningful relationships through meaningful conversations or shared experiences.
- Exercise your mind & body: physical activity helps regulate emotions; consider yoga, meditation or going for a walk outdoors.
- Do something different: shake up your routine by trying something new – exploring new hobbies or visiting places you’ve never been before!
Find a theme for yourself 2022
As the New Year begins, it is important to practice self-care and keep up with our mental health. Finding a theme for the new year can help make this process easier. Deciding to focus on one particular trait, such as creativity, resilience, or courage can help provide direction and clarity when it comes to setting goals and finding purpose.
When making resolutions or goals for yourself, having a theme can provide clarity of what’s most important to you. Make sure to include both big picture and actionable steps that you can take throughout the year in order reach your goal. Writing these down in a journal or planner will help keep you accountable and provide motivation when you need it.
Additionally, be sure to set aside time for yourself each week so that you have time for relaxation and reflection. Remember that in order for your mental health to be optimal, taking care of your physical health is also important—make sure to exercise regularly!
FAQs about: mental health tips for new year
Q1: What are some good mental health tips?
A1: Some good mental health tips include getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, staying connected with friends and family, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
Q2: How can I manage stress better?
A2: Managing stress better can be done by finding ways to cope with difficult situations, such as taking deep breaths or counting to 10, taking breaks from stressful situations, and engaging in activities that can help reduce stress, such as listening to music or spending time in nature.
Q3: How can I maintain good mental health?
A3: Maintaining good mental health can be done by taking care of your physical health, getting enough sleep, engaging in activities that you enjoy, talking to a trusted friend or family member, and seeking professional help if needed.
