New year’s resolutions are hard to keep. But, they’re meaningful if they are realistic and are applied to reach a sustainable and healthy goal. Some of the best new year’s resolutions one can set are those that are to maintain a healthy mental state. These goals can be manageable and help with meeting an end goal of obtaining mental wellbeing that lasts a lifetime. So, if you’re wondering about some healthy new year’s resolutions you can be making, consider setting some that are geared toward promoting your mental health.
Sleep is important for maintaining mental health as it affects mood regulation and management. So, a person who gets more and better quality of sleep has better control of their emotions. To get better and more sleep, there are a few things you can do. First, you can set an alarm clock that tells you when you can start getting ready for bed at the same time each night. This will help you to understand when it’s time to wind down for the night.
Once you’re in bed, steer clear of any screen time as this can help you to prepare your body and mind for sleep. If you stay active on your phone or watching TV, you’re less likely to fall asleep quicker. Finally, set the mood for sleep to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Do this by making your sleeping space feel safe and comfortable, whatever that means for you. Get a cozy comforter, set the temperature how you like, and turn off the lights. When you give yourself a safe and comfortable space to sleep, your mind and body will more likely adapt to sleeping faster and longer.
Self-care is the act of taking care of your mental health by taking care of yourself. There are many forms of self-care. Sticking to a routine and implementing self-care activities can help people living with mental health issues stay on the path to meeting their mental health goals. Some types of self-care can include:
Sometimes, taking a step away from social media and all of its influence can help with mental healing. This is because social media often has a negative impact on how we feel. Stepping away from social media, even for a short period of time, can help to reduce levels of stress and anxiety. This is because it takes your mind away from focusing on negative things that social media can shine a light on. Rather than spending time on social media, take this time to work on your own goals, what makes you happy, and being with the people you love.
Yellowbrick collaborates with adolescents and emerging adults, ages 16-30's, their families and participating professionals toward the development and implementation of a strategic “Life Plan.” An integrative, multi-specialty consultation clarifies strengths, limitations, and risks, and defines motivations, goals and choices.
A mental health condition that’s characterized by intense shifts in mood including both manic and depressive episodes.
People living with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, experience episodes of depression and sadness that are debilitating to daily life.
Those living with anxiety disorders experience high levels of anxiety and stress that interfere negatively with daily life.
A mental health issue in which a person’s cognitive function is impaired, resulting in symptoms like experiencing challenges with conducting speech, reading and writing, and behavior.
Mental health disorders that negatively affect a person’s behaviors, thought patterns, and function. People diagnosed with these disorders experience challenges with managing relationships and understanding various situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that people can develop as a result of experiencing traumatic situations, characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and more.
A mental health condition that is characterized by specific symptoms of forgetfulness and lack of concentration, which makes it challenging to complete necessary tasks.
Mental health conditions that interfere with a person’s eating habits, thought patterns, and behaviors in negative ways.
A mental health disorder diagnosable with the DSM-5 that is characterized by both obsessions and compulsive behaviors.