New Year's Resolutions for Mental Health
What comes to mind when you think of New Year's Resolutions? Common resolutions include improving fitness, weight loss, and increasing financial abundance. Perhaps an overlooked goal is that of improving our mental health. Sound mental health is a resolution worthy undertaking, and improved mental health brings all our goals within reach. Below are some recommendations to help you improve your self-care and self-compassion and regain your sense of balance.
I resolve to move my body every day. I will exercise regularly in ways that work for me. Research has demonstrated a clear link between mental and physical health.
I resolve to be mentally healthy in the upcoming year. I will seek professional help when necessary. Getting assistance with working through mental and emotional baggage is one of the healthiest choices we can make.
I regularly eat healthy foods. Food affects mood, and it is becoming evident that there is a link between diet and mental health. There appears to be not only a psychological connection but a biochemical and physical connection between the food we eat, how it makes us feel, and our mental health.
I relax and enjoy life. I commit to creating some time each day to doing something for myself that helps me rest and recharge mentally and emotionally.
I consciously speak kindly about myself and to myself. I treat myself with respect. A positive approach to ourselves is key to attracting more positivity into our lives.
I cut myself some slack. I remind myself daily that as a human being, I will make mistakes and mess up. Mistakes and mess-ups give me valuable feedback. What is important is learning from the past and moving forward in a positive way.
I choose whenever possible to stay mindfully in the moment. I limit the time I spend fretting about the past or worrying about the future. Remembering to live in the here and now and enjoying what is good about today strengthens our resilience.
I act instead of reacting. I refuse to let other's push my buttons. I will prepare myself with a mental list of defusing statements to counteract the negative comments of others. Preplanning can help us handle triggers that we know may cause us to overreact.
I am label-free. I will not let my problems define who I am. I will be extremely careful how I finish the sentence I am…. (I will only complete the sentence with things that describe how I want or choose to be).
I strive to become the person I know I can be. I watch my language. For example, describe your life as a journey full of adventures. Avoid referring to your life as a constant battle or a series of obstacles to overcome. Rather than focusing on the mud, look up and see the sun or the stars. Enjoy the ride.
When you are considering your New Year's resolutions, make your mental health a priority. As part of your self-care routine, you could choose one or more of the suggested intentions to improve your 2020.