Photo by Joel Mott on Unsplash
The year 2020 is wrapping up, and for many people, it’s been both mentally and physically challenging. With the new year approaching us, it’s time to start reassessing our goals and, for many people, making New Year’s resolutions. Here are five New Year’s resolutions for your mental health to help you start 2021 off right.
Talk About Your Feelings More
One of the first ways to improve your mental health for the new year is to open up more to the people in your life. Opening up to people about your feelings, worries or hopes is a great way to improve your mental health. It could help you deal with troubled times. When you express what is on your mind to someone, you will be lifting the weight off your shoulders.
Express More Positivity
It’s no secret that 2020 has left many people with an abundance of negative feelings. But a great way to strengthen your mental well-being is to make this your best year ever. Yes, COVID-19 will likely be continuing going into at least the beginning part of next year. But you can take it all in stride by developing a positive outlook on things. This doesn’t mean you should never be angry or sad. What this means is that you must maintain a sense of balance between your negative and positive emotions. Watching less news coverage about the pandemic is one way of maintaining this balance.
Continue to Stay Active
If you’re already a physically active person, keep it going. But if you’ve fallen out of the habit, make next year your year. Besides keeping a regular schedule of exercising, try doing something new like rock climbing or swimming. If you feel like your life has been in a rut, trying an adventurous new hobby could be just what you need. Staying physically active also helps keep your self-esteem up and staves off depression.
Relax and Reduce Stress
Another good habit that can improve your mental health: relaxation techniques. If you want to live a more balanced life, you have to make time to relax. These techniques are good for your mind and body—they slow your breathing, lower your blood pressure, and reduce muscle tension and stress. There are various forms of relaxation techniques you can do, including:
- Deep breathing exercises.
- Progressive relaxation.
- Guided imagery.
- Biofeedback.
Deep breathing exercises can be a useful tool when you’re under stress or dealing with anxiety. Progressive relaxation involves tightening and relaxing certain muscles in your body. With the pandemic still likely to go on during at least the first few months of 2021, finding time to relax is becoming more important than ever.
Accept Yourself the Way You Are
The last tip for improving your mental health is accepting yourself the way you are. As you get older, you have to come to terms with the fact that you can’t be like anyone else. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes or weaknesses, try emphasizing what characteristics make you special. This helps build your self-esteem and helps you cope with difficult problems in life.
Now you have five New Year’s resolutions for your mental health. And for more ways to improve your mental health for the upcoming new year, fill out the form on our website and someone will connect you with more resources soon. Happy New Year!
