For many people, the beginning of a new year is a perfect time to reflect on your accomplishments and struggles of the last year.
It is also an important time that allows us to think about what we can do better in the future. This may take the form of New Year’s Resolutions like going to the gym regularly or eating better. But your New Year’s Resolutions can also be a powerful tool in fortifying your mental health.
1. Write something down your grateful for Gratitude has been clearly linked with improved well-being and mental health, as well as happiness. The best-researched method to increase feelings of gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal or write a daily gratitude list. Generally, contemplating gratitude is also effective. But you need to get regular practice to experience long-term benefits. Find something to be grateful for, let it fill your heart, and bask in that feeling.
2. Take care of your physical health: Physical health and mental health do not exist as two separate entities. In fact, the two rely on each other. Research shows that regular exercise can be just as effective as some antidepressant medications.
3. Focus on the moment: Being mindful of the present moment allows us to let go of negative or difficult emotions from past experiences that weigh us down. Start by bringing awareness to routine activities, such as taking a shower, eating lunch, or walking home. Paying attention to the physical sensations, sounds, smells, or tastes of these experiences helps you focus. When your mind wanders, just bring it back to what you are doing.
4. Do something for someone else: Research shows that being helpful to others has a beneficial effect on how you feel about yourself. Being helpful, kind, and value for what you do is a great way to build self-esteem. The meaning you find in helping others will enrich and expand your life.
5. Don’t be afraid to get help: Mental health disorders like depression or PTSD will rarely go away on their own, and will likely just get worse with time. With innovative new treatments like Ketamine infusion therapy, there has never been a better time to seek out new treatment alternatives for better mental health.
Start today. You have the power to take positive steps to improve your resilience and emotional health. Don’t wait until you’re in a crisis to make your mental health a priority. Pick something from this article that resonates with you and try it. Then, try something else. Slowly putting in place routines, habits, and regular patterns will help you feel better through gradual change.
