NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!
Well, here we are. 2023 is behind us and 2024 has begun. Are you someone who sets New Year’s resolutions? A New Year’s resolution is a tradition in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behavior at the beginning of a calendar year. Maybe you use another term, like intentions. I like to use the term goal setting. And I am definitely a “to do list” person. It not only makes me feel more organized, but it also helps me focus on the goals I set and (try to) accomplish them in a timely manner. And if I don’t accomplish a certain goal, I know that I am still moving forward in my journey. Progress is progress, no matter what speed you go.
When it comes to your mental health journey, some of your goals could be as simple as regulating your sleep schedule or establishing a routine. Not getting enough sleep can make it harder for you to deal with stress and emotions. Make getting proper rest a priority. Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of good-quality sleep per night.
Another mental health goal is making a commitment to prioritize self-care. Take time for yourself so you can address your own needs, reduce stress, and pursue a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Dedicate time each day or week to engage in activities that you enjoy. This can include pampering yourself, going out to a movie, or maybe making no plans and just simply reading a book. Reading is like exercise for the mind and is both a distraction and can provide new perspectives.
Here is a list of some mental health goals that you may want to focus on during 2024!
- Gratitude. This can include keeping a journal or simply taking a few moments each day to acknowledge the things you are thankful for. One of my goals is to create a “Joy Jar” and write an entry each week. Then at the end of 2024, I can empty the jar and reflect on the wonderful things that I have encountered during the year.
- Learn a hobby or something new. A growing mind is healthier than a stagnant mind. Learning is like cardio for the brain; new neural connections are forming and existing connections are being strengthened. As you learn, there is also an opportunity to engage with other individuals that have common interests.
- Identify stressors, develop coping mechanisms for stress, and overcoming mental obstacles. A mental health professional can help you learn to better identify and track your stressors or triggers, and how to cope moving forward. You can use coping strategies to manage or reduce your stress and emotions. Therapy/counseling looks different for every person, but clients often start therapy with the intention of working through something difficult to come out on the other side feeling relief.
- Journaling. Journal daily about triggers and how to combat them. Journaling is a good way to cultivate a greater sense of direction and context for your day-to-day life. When we fail to reflect on where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going, life can begin to feel meaningless.
- Meditation. A powerful tool to improve your mental health. Focus your attention on the present moment. Experiment with different techniques and you will eventually find one that works for you and gives you that much needed lift.
- Learn to love yourself more. When our mental health is down, we become our worst critics. Make sure that you find ways to love yourself. Practice self appreciation to boost your self esteem. Rather than focusing on the bad things, drop the habit of judging yourself harshly and start celebrating the good things.
So as you venture into the year 2024, make your mental health a priority! You don’t have to accomplish these goals all at once, or even step too far outside of your comfort zone to do so. But little steps will eventually lead to big results! And don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. If you find yourself struggling mentally, reach out. Start with your primary care physician or research therapists and counselors in your area. I have been using therapy and medication for my anxiety and depression for over a year and it is the best thing I have done to help me get back on track! It isn’t always easy, but it is a great feeling knowing there is always hope!
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~