Mental health in the New Year 

Mental health is important to overall wellness, and focusing on your mental health in the new year is vital. As we enter 2023, there are practical measures you can take to improve your mental health and help you stay healthy for the coming year.

To start off 2023, begin by setting achievable goals for yourself to help increase positive thinking and reduce stress. Taking small steps towards a goal can be more manageable than trying to accomplish something in one go.

Additionally, make sure to prioritize time for yourself every day, including exercising, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a break from screens.
Yes! I said a break from screens! I KNOW!

Sometimes you need to unplug! Not just social media but all screens. Turn off the computers, laptops, cell phones, handheld devices, and TVs. I know it sounds harsh, but no screen time is quiet time for your mind.

Getting enough sleep is another great way to keep your mental health in check throughout the new year. Not getting enough sleep can lead to poor decision-making, lack of concentration, and fatigue—all factors affecting your mood and emotional well-being.

Reassess Priorities

As the New Year brings renewed hope, it is essential to take time out to reassess priorities. With mental health more important now than ever before, practical advice like that provided by experts can help individuals re-evaluate and ensure their well-being is a priority. Enriching our minds and bodies can set us up for success in 2023.

The beginning of a new year offers an opportunity for reflection on the past 12 months and allows individuals to make changes to improve their mental health.

For myself, mental health is a top priority every single day! I can’t skip any time taking care of my mental health. It looks different at different times as well. You need to take a serious look at where you are and where you want to be.

Be careful not to judge yourself. Look over the last year and see what you want to change. You might have tried too hard at something that needs more minor goal marks. We will talk about that more in a minute.

This could mean anything from creating a plan or goal-setting worksheet, taking up mindfulness activities, or dedicating a specific amount of time each day to self-care practices.

Developing healthier habits in terms of eating, exercising, or even getting enough sleep is encouraged as it will provide long-term positive psychological benefits.

Make Time for Self-Care

Now is the perfect time to prioritize mental health and meet your needs. Practical advice for caring for one’s mental health in 2023 can vary from person to person. 

Still, some common tips include scheduling downtime into your daily routine, making time for activities you enjoy, and setting realistic goals.

Taking care of our mental well-being should be a priority in all aspects of life. While taking time away from work or other tasks on our “to-do” list may seem challenging, carving out a few minutes each day for self-care goes a long way toward improving overall wellness.

Set Realistic Goals for Mental health in the New Year

The New Year is a time for fresh beginnings, and with it comes to an opportunity to set realistic goals to improve your mental health. The saying goes, “it’s better to start small and work your way up than to bite off more than you can chew.” 

Setting unrealistic goals can be harmful; when expectations are too high, we often end up feeling frustrated or disappointed in our results. 

I mentioned earlier that you need to set small, reachable goals. You can not lose 100 pounds in 4 months! You did not gain 100 pounds in 4 months, which means it is not a realistic goal. 

You might speak to your primary care doctor and ask, “What is a healthy amount of weight to lose at a time?” Follow our doctor’s advice for your body and your physical health. 

You also might be able to read 50 self-help books in 2 months, but are you really going to remember anything from those books? You need to set goals that are real! 

Practical advice for mental health in the new year offers guidance on setting achievable goals that won’t discourage you.

When setting objectives for yourself, keep them manageable and attainable so you can handle what needs to be accomplished. 

Consider breaking down larger goals into smaller tasks or milestones until they are easier to manage.

Exercise and Nutrition Plan

While there are countless ways to improve your mental well-being, one oft-overlooked way is through exercise and nutrition. A proper exercise and nutrition plan can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve cognitive performance.

Creating a practical exercise and nutrition plan can be manageable. Start by understanding what types of physical activity you enjoy most, then devise a schedule that works for you; aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a few times per week.

I have intense back pain. I really need to lose some weight too! I plan on starting out small and doing some walking exercises to get me started. I live in a beautiful park-like neighborhood that is very quiet. I enjoy walking outside when the weather is nice.  

If you don’t like running, don’t plan that!!! Exercise does not have to be horrible and something you hate. If you pick activities you enjoy, you might find that you like exercising. 

Connect with Others for 

Connecting with others is a powerful tool that can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness while supporting overall well-being. Here are some practical tips for making meaningful connections with those around you in the upcoming year.

Invest in meaningful relationships by setting aside quality weekly time dedicated solely to connecting with friends and family. 

Whether scheduling weekly video calls or sending thoughtful cards, taking small steps toward building strong relationships will go a long way. 

If you’re feeling lonely, reach out to someone you trust who can provide comfort and understanding during difficult times.

Something that I used to do every week was to handwrite letters or cards to friends that I didn’t see very often. I let this fall to the wayside at the end of this year. It is my goal to return it in 2023. 

Seek Professional Support

Achieving balance in life requires ongoing effort, so it is essential to seek professional support if you’re struggling with your mental health.

There are many ways to improve your mental health. Mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation can reduce stress and create more peaceful moments in the day. 

Additionally, connecting with friends and family can provide the support we need during difficult times. But when these strategies are not enough, it may be time to seek professional help.

Professionals like therapists and psychologists focus on helping individuals manage their emotions more effectively so that they can lead happier and healthier lives.

Seeking help is a powerful thing to do! It takes courage to say I need help with anything, especially mental health. You can take that step! 

A trained Therapist can help you set realistic goals for yourself. They help with more than a mental crisis. You may be dealing with a bad relationship that you hope to repair, or you have a lot of work stress. Looking for a therapist is a very wise move! 

Conclusion: Taking Care of Yourself

When the New Year has officially begun, and during this transition, it’s important to remember that self-care should be a top priority. Taking steps to protect your mental health can make all the difference in how you feel now and in the future.

As we move forward into 2023, it’s essential to focus on taking care of yourself first. Consider setting goals for overall well-being, such as eating healthier meals, creating an exercise routine, or reaching out for help when needed. 

Incorporating activities that relieve stress or anxiety is also important for staying balanced. Examples include reading books, journaling, meditating, or connecting with friends regularly. 

Remember that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for your mental and physical health. Be Well! Happy New Years! 

Please leave me a comment and share what you what to work on this year! 

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