Do You Set New Years Resolutions?

How about setting mental health resolutions!

Here are a few great options to consider:

👍 I will take action on my mental health.

Have a chat to someone about what you are feeling or thinking. Family and friends are waiting in the wings to support you. If you don’t feel comfortable to chat to someone you know, a counsellor is a great option as they have tools for dealing with mental health challenges effectively, and for personal growth and development, too. In fact, that regular appointment is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself.

👍 I will be kind to myself.

Does your self-talk sound like something you would never say to the people you love? We see people on Facebook posting, “I was a big fat pig” with a photo of their Christmas dinner. You don’t deserve that. Treat yourself with respect.

👍 I will set healthy boundaries.

Sometimes we give other people too much power in our lives. Letting our significant others, our kids, or our bosses make our lives more difficult can masquerade as kindness, but it’s not always good for us. Define your limits at work, at home, and in other relationships. Check in with your own personal values and decide what you are willing to do for others. Let this be the year you say so, directly and without anger.

👍 I will exercise regularly.

Does that sound like a physical health resolution? In fact, there is a lot of evidence that regular movement, especially outdoors, helps our mental health as well as our physical help. Put a daily walk, bike ride, or swim on your calendar and stick to it no matter what. Feeling too low for a walk? Move for three minutes, and then you can head home… if you still want to.

👍 I will resist negative thinking.

It’s easy for us to figure that positive attitudes and happy thoughts are wishful thinking and that negative thoughts are realistic and practical. Actually, ruminating — going over and over the negative feelings and anxious thoughts that pop into our heads — is neither practical nor realistic. Distracting ourselves with work, exercise, mindful breathing, or a puzzle is a healthier choice.

We wish everyone a happy new year! Be safe.

From Lain and the Mentally Fit Crew