Welcome 2024!
Is this the year that things are going to change? Do you want things to be different? What does that mean? Do you set New Year’s Resolutions? Here are some ideas to get you started. I don’t think of these as resolutions, but more like goals that will help improve your mental health.
Five Mental Health Goals
- Eat healthier. Notice that this goal is not about weight loss. We can all eat healthier. Less junk, more real food. Start eating for your mental health. Start eating breakfast. Consume less caffeine. Drink less alcohol. The options are endless. Pick one way that you can eat healthier, and when you have mastered that then pick a second and so on.
- Exercise. This does not mean the gym. It can, but it doesn’t have to. It means walk more. Park the car farther away from the door. Take the long way to the mailbox. (This works for me as I have a community mail box!) Start slowly. Walk around the block and increase gradually. Exercise for your mental health. Exercise reduces stress and increases good endorphins.
- Meditation/Mindfulness. There are all kinds of free apps that help with this. I know for some, meditation is not interesting or attractive. I can only tell you that it helps me manage my stress, and my clients who regularly meditate report increased feelings of calm and positivity. Start slow. Start with 2 minutes and increase gradually.
- Get out into nature. Vitamin G. Vitamin green. There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.
- Be kind to yourself. Above all else. If we are kinder to ourselves life is just easier.
Listening. Guiding. Caring.
