This is the time of the year when most people are thinking of their bodies and how to start improving them. But what about the mind? Doesn't it need a little TLC? If you have started to feel a little down towards Christmas why not try and be happier in the new year with these ten New Year Resolutions that are all designed to give you better mental health...
Next Year I will See a Therapist!
Why not spend a little bit of money improving your mental health by seeing a qualified therapist! This can be a scary thing, but I have already covered ' Ten Questions You Need to Ask Your New Therapist ' if you are not sure where to start. The first step is to get out there and find some people who you feel you might be able to work with. If you don't "gell" in one session, maybe that person is not the right therapist for you, so do be prepared to shop around.
Next Year I will Give Up my Vices!
This could be smoking, drinking, taking drugs and many other things that you wish you give up in the new year that might be affecting your mind and body. Giving up anything isn't easy, but there are help, advice and aids that can make things a little easier and the best place to start is with your local doctor. Getting advice before you start to give up should put your mind at ease about the path ahead and make quitting a little simpler.
Next Year I will Give Up my Vices!
This will be most peoples new years resolution, but what you might not know is that looking after the body will also help improve your mental health as well. Getting out and about, breathing in the fresh air and meeting new people, or achieving new goals all help to improve your own mindset. The mind and body are one thing and yes, this works the other way around. The more you look after the mind, the more the brain will look after the body!
Next Year I Will Take Better Care of Myself!
This is not nessisarly a health-related resolution. This could mean practising some mental health self-care. Things like not being so hard on yourself, or maybe doing a little more of what makes you feel happy (as long as that isn't a vice). Taking care of you as a person will improve your mind and body in many ways and there are small things that most people can do that will result in big changes.
Next Year I will Quit Social Media!
This one will be almost impossible for most people, but yet, it is the smallest of things that give you the biggest results, especially when it comes to improving your mental health. Just think of all the arguments, all the negative moments you have seen or been involved with over social media in the past year and you will soon realise that it is quite a large negative factor in your life. Try this for just 1 month and see how happier you feel.
Next Year I will Get Help!
If you have been feeling down all year, but are too afraid to ask for help why not start the year with a simple trip to your local GP. While they will often refer you onwards to more specialist help it is at least starting the road to recovery. No-one with mental health issues should try and do it alone, there is help out there so why not take it with both hands.
Next Year I Will Not Be So Alone!
This doesn't mean you need to hit the dating scene if you have been alone for a long time, it means you should try and start to reach out for help or advice form others. Maybe talk to friends or family members, or if that is not an option try talking to someone about your fears and feelings. You don't have to feel alone in this world if you don't want to, but it is you that needs to make the first step as other people will not necessarily know that you need help at all.
Next Year I will Eat Healthier!
Once again, this is something a lot of people think is only body-related, when the truth is eating as healthy or as natural as you can with indeed improve your mental health! The keyword to remember here is moderation. If you start smashing salad into your mouth and yet, you hate salad you could be doing your mental self more harm than good. It's OK to enjoy chocolate, its OK to enjoy a glass of wine, but do those things in moderation. A New Year diet doesn't need to be a punishment, it could be fun!
Next Year I will Try Meditating More!
Most people think meditation is something that you do on a Yoga mat, sat down and cross-legged saying the word "hummmmmm" over and over again. But that is not true at all! You can practice meditation just about anywhere and at any time. On the bus, at work, or even in the shower! Doing some simple deep breathing techniques that are quiet can help clear your mind and help you think easier. As with most things, the more you learn about meditation, the easier you will discover it is to do!
Next Year I Will Be Nicer To Myself
And we finish this list with what is probably the most important. There are many different ways to do this. Maybe saying some positive affirmations to yourself like "I am good at my job!" or "I have a lot to be grateful for!", or you could start a gratitude diary! Jotting down one or more things that you are grateful for each day will help you realise just how lucky you are. They say you are always your own worse critic and that also means you could be hurting your mind with your own thoughts so try not to be so hard on yourself and be a little more positive in both mind and body.
