A new year is always exciting! Unfortunately, many New Year’s resolutions tend to be short-lived with little follow-through due to unrealistic goal setting. In fact, most New Year’s resolutions don’t typically come from a positive mental space. Focusing on what you feel may be “wrong” with your life can be detrimental – especially if you don’t fulfill those resolutions. Instead, it may be helpful to start with smaller, more manageable steps that help you to accomplish your overarching goal. If you’re looking for attainable goals to set for the upcoming year, these resolutions can put you on the path to a mentally happy and healthy future.
Here are ten simple self-care resolutions you can make to prioritize your mental wellbeing and start taking better care of yourself:
1. Limit screen time. While on the one hand, screens have become our window to the outside world, they can also prevent you from being fully present around your loved ones. Designate a safe spot for your phone when spending time with others.
2. Get better sleep. Making sleep your number-one focus doesn’t mean you have to neglect your “to-do” list. In fact, sleeping more might help you work more productively!
3. Get active. Exercise is a great way to de-stress and boost your mood.
4. Practice positive affirmations. By saying out loud what you are thankful for and why, you are rewiring your brain to focus on the positive aspects of your self image and less on the negative aspects.
5. Meditate. Meditation is an excellent hobby to pick up in the new year because it helps us become better at being still in any given moment, which can greatly improve anxiety.
6. Hydrate. Dehydration can cause you to experience headaches, agitation and tiredness. Make sure to drink enough water every day to stay properly hydrated and healthy!
7. Shop/support sustainable stores. Decluttering is a great way to start the new year fresh. Gather up unused items and donate them to a local organization to help those in need and free up space in your home.
8. Get social. Spending more time with people who make us feel safe and loved can be a mood booster. Make sure to set aside some quality time with family and friends in the new year.
9. Learn to say “no”. Saying “no” is an important skill to learn. By limiting your commitments, you can make more time for the things that bring you joy in the new year!
10. Talk to a therapist. There is no shame in getting help. By making your mental health a priority this year, you are improving your chances of a better quality of life — physically, emotionally, socially and more.
This year, aim to make the focus on mental health as daily life stressors continue to arise. We hope you were able to find inspiration from any of our resolutions listed above!