When a new year starts, we too often put other priorities ahead of ourselves and our mental health. Focusing on mental health can be one of the easiest activities we do in a day, and we never seem to give ourselves any time to do it. These achievable steps discussed in an article from Mental Health First Aid can help anyone to focus on and improve their mental health in the coming year.
Accept Yourself
New Year's resolutions can very easily become a game of what we can fix in ourselves for the coming year. However, this constant feeling of having to change different aspects of oneself can do far more damage than good. This year, take time to acknowledge what you love about yourself. The key to self-acceptance is not only acknowledging what you already love about yourself, but also working to love those parts of yourself that you've always struggled with.
Build Relationships
Form new relationships through activities that you have never tried before. However, don't ignore the relationships you already have and work on strengthening them as well. Having close relationships makes people happier and thus healthier.
Work Your Body
Exercise is proven to increase a person's happiness. This year, exercise for your mind, not to try and fix different parts of your body. Get a boost of exercise whether it is going for a mid-day walk or spending 10 extra minutes at the gym. This boost of exercise can help your mind and body ease stress, reduce anxiety and increase relaxation levels. This extra bit of exercise is also a great way to gain some you time.
Go to Bed
Sleeping is crucial to the body functioning properly. Most doctors recommend that a person receives an average of seven to nine hours of sleep per night. If you find that you are having trouble falling asleep at night, turn off any electronics, including the TV and other screens before heading to bed. If you still find yourself tossing and turning, consider seeing a professional to ease your sleepless nights.
Be Selfish
Don't de-prioritize yourself. Whether you have to remove toxic people from your life or just make sure you give yourself time to do something nice for yourself, create limits and hold true to them. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, so do whatever your mind and body needs you to do to keep yourself recharged and blooming.
Don't let yourself get stuck in a bubble of trying to commit to goals that no longer seem to fit what you want and need. Be sure to listen to your mind and body on what is best for you and celebrate doing that however you can.