20
Dec
2019

What New Year's resolutions can you make for your mental health?

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What New Year's resolutions can you make for your mental health?

Many view the transition from the old year to the new as a time of reflection and renewal. Where you stressed, anxious or unhappy over the past year? What changes can you make to address that? The good news is there are goals you can set to improve your mental health and happiness. Making New Year’s resolutions provides the perfect opportunity to do so.

Top 10 mental health resolutions

  1. Move your body--it’s well known that physical activity is tied to mental and emotional well-being. Engaging in physical activities that you enjoy improves your chances of sticking with it. Sticking with it leads to all sorts of benefits, including improved mood, confidence and a decrease in anxiety, stress and depression.
  2. Get enough sleep--so many of us don’t get enough sleep for a variety of reasons. But being well-rested gives us the energy and clarity to meet the next day’s challenges. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep.
  3. Meditate--lessening stress, anxiety and depression are just a few of the benefits of meditation. Even short periods make a difference.
  4. Help others--helping others doesn’t just make the receiver feel good, it also boosts the mental health of the person giving.
  5. Be kind to yourself--you can be your own worst critic. Even when you fail, it's important to acknowledge that you tried. You’re on a journey and you’ll get there when you’re meant to.
  6. Reduce time on social media--engaging with social media has a negative effect on mental health. Take time off or quit altogether to restore a sense of perspective and feel relief.
  7. Learn from stumbles--every setback contains a lesson we can use to improve the next time.
  8. Keep a journal--sometimes thoughts get stuck in loops in your head as you try to remember everything you’re thinking. Writing them down allows you to free your mind to relax.
  9. Enjoy a hobby--engaging in a hobby relieves stress and increases your sense of well-being.
  10. Seek support--building a support system of people you can talk to is an important step in looking after your mental health. Your support system can include a trusted friend or family member, teacher, neighbour, support group, psychotherapist or health care professional.

Alison Bell and Associates Counselling Group of Surrey wishes you a happy and healthy New Year. If you find yourself wanting or needing to talk with someone, drop us a line. Our psychotherapists and counselling services are always here to help.


ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A CHANGE?
Contact Alison Bell & Associates Today!
604-372.1545
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