Mental Health Tips for the New Year

Time sure flies so fast. In just a few days, we are going to welcome a brand new year. We could not help but have mixed emotions as we are given another 365 days to be better, happier, and healthier. It does not matter if we are ready or not; we all have to move forward and just be more hopeful and grateful for another round of opportunities. As we end this year and embrace tomorrow, let us not forget to prepare our minds for what is about to happen in the next chapters of our lives.

Here are some helpful mental health tips that would greatly help you as you face the New Year. 

Set Realistic Goals

It is that time of the year again when you write down the things that you want to do and achieve. But halfway through the first month, you shove that list under a pile of books and forget about it. It is good that you take the time to think of ways to improve yourself and make yourself happy. But do not go overboard. List down realistic and achievable goals, like exercising for 15 minutes three times a week instead of an hour every day. It is easy, and simply doing it gives you a sense of achievement. If you promise yourself to exercise for an hour and fail to do it, you will feel bad and disappointed.

Stop setting high expectations for yourself. You get tired, sick, and restless. Learn to appreciate the small victories you achieve on a daily basis. Give yourself a pat on the back when you are able to accomplish a household chore or you unlock a new skill. This would make you feel good, and you would know that you were making progress. 

Prioritize “Me” Time

Your mental health would start to decline when you felt unhappy, undervalued, and unappreciated. You feel that nothing you do is good enough for other people, or you are stuck in your career. The stress and pressure to be successful become more real to you. It is hard, but you know that the best thing you could do for yourself is to take care of your body and mind. Problems will never go away; you just have to learn how to overcome them without compromising your mental health.

Allocate a time for yourself every day, even if it is just 10 minutes. Wake up early and take your time sipping your coffee. Before you go to bed, pamper yourself with a relaxing bath. Every Sunday, go for a run around your neighborhood to clear your mind. Tell your family to respect your “me” time so that they will not bother you. Explain to them the importance of taking care of your mental health.

Connect to More People

As the New Year approaches, you tend to look back and see the people who have been with you throughout the year. You may lose some friends, but you have also gained a few. You may be happy alone, but you still have to connect and be surrounded by people who love and support you. These are the people who would help you get through the dark periods of your life. They would also be there when you needed someone to celebrate your milestones.

It makes you happy to know that you have family and friends who only want the best for you.They keep you sane and focused. Reach out to them and talk more. Attend family gatherings and office parties. Accept invitations from friends in other cities. Agree on going on a blind date. Most times, people suffer from depression because they feel lonely, do not have someone to talk to, or no one seems to care about them. 

Take a Break

You are not a robot. Take time off from work to relax and recharge. This is not a mortal sin, and the world would not stop turning if you did not work. You may feel guilty at first, but this is the only way to keep your mental health intact. Life is not all about work and earning money. Most times, peace of mind and happiness are way better. Disconnect from people and situations that stress and depress you.

You do not have to go on an extravagant vacation to recharge. You could use your lunch break to rest or meditate. Enroll yourself in an activity that you will definitely enjoy. Take a dance or art class. Join a book club or learn an instrument. This way, you have something to look forward to every week.

Know Your Priorities 

Before the year ends, ponder the things that matter and are important to you. It is okay to distance yourself from people who are toxic. If you are unhappy with your job, no one would resent you if you resigned. If you want to spend more time with your family, then do it and be present. Know what is best for you, and if you ever make a wrong decision, ask for help and guidance and move forward. If you have been struggling with a mental health problem this year, you may have to prioritize getting well. You may have to consider talking to a professional.

 Mindshift Psychological Services offers therapy and counseling sessions for those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma. Our team of experts provides mindful and effective approaches to managing your mental health issues. If you want to learn more about us, visit our website. You may also contact us at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.