Why not this year, consider looking at ways to improve your mental health.
Serious mental illness is something that requires the help of professionals. But most of us could do with some reflections on the state of our own mental health, be it mood swings, emotional eating, dealing with stress or the feeling of being overwhelmed with modern life.
Below are a few suggestions to help you with mental health resolutions. Remember you can always seek out a professional if you feel you can no longer handle things on your own.
Resolution #1 “I will talk to myself like I talk to my best friend”
Best friends support and see the best in each other. Why not try to see the best in yourself and stop comparing yourself to others, especially famous people we see on the Internet and in magazines. Try to avoid negative thoughts and treat yourself with respect.
Resolution #2 “I will end toxic relationships”
Some people in your life can be damaging to your mental health: they may say things that hurt you or ask more of you emotionally than you are comfortable with or able to provide. If these people are relatives, the situation can get tricky, but for your own well-being, you need to surround yourself with people that make you feel good and support you, not suck the life out of you. For co-workers, try to create some coping mechanisms, as you’re not going to be able to avoid these people.
Resolution #3 “I will set aside time daily for me”
It may sound selfish but me-time is more important for your mental health than doing a hundred things daily for others. Woman (and I know from personal experience) are notorious for taking care of others and not looking after themselves. Set aside some time – even 15 minutes will do – when you do something that you enjoy. If you have more time, go to the gym or do food prep so you can eat healthier. It doesn’t matter what it is, it’s time where you get to focus on you and put the world on hold for a while.
Resolution #4 “I will disconnect from technology”
The Internet can be a very negative place – spending less time there will have a positive effect on your moods. Consider the amount of time you spend on your smart phone: do you feel obligated to be connected to your work 24/7? Set boundaries with your manager and co-workers, so they know what the expectations are. Unless you’re a doctor, you don’t need to be on call all the time.
Remember, once you decide to make a resolution (or goal), use the SMART process for goal setting. This will help you to create a plan that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Based.
