Making goals for the new year is a tradition that we all partake in. Sometimes they're big goals like getting out of debt, and other times it's something as simple as eating better. For others, improving their mental health is number one on the list for 2023.
Mental health is the foundation for everything we do. It impacts every aspect of our lives. Being intentional about valuing your mental health will help you connect deeper with others, reduce anxiety and boost your confidence. Start your year right with these simple daily habits.
Make relaxation a part of your routine.
Very few things in life are promised, and unfortunately, times of stress are one of them. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed out, it is important to remember that you can control how you respond to the strain. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine is a great way to manage stress. Meditation is a popular way to relax and can help reach a state of calm, decrease stress, and improve your mood. If meditation isn't your thing, deep breathing, reading, or taking a bubble bath are also popular relaxation techniques. No matter how you choose to relax, it is important to make it a habit to ensure that you are taking care of your mental health.
Practice being grateful.
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help you create a positive outlook on life. It has tangible benefits for your mental health, including reducing stress, lessening depression symptoms, and boosting your mood.
Take time for self-reflection and share your gratitude with the people around you. If you like to journal, regularly write down a list of things you're grateful for.
Social interaction has value.
Making time for friends and family can be beneficial for both our moods and perspectives. Spending time with loved ones can help reduce feelings of loneliness, while also providing an emotional support system. If we can't regularly meet in person, text messages and zoom calls are all meaningful ways to connect with others. Knowing when we've had enough is essential to maintaining mental health, and we can rely on our boundaries to help us set limits.
Be sure to take care of your physical health.
Mental health is intimately connected to physical health. One cannot flourish without the other. The three main areas to target for 2023 are sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
Let's take a look at each target area:
Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for a healthy mind. If you don't get enough sleep, your brain doesn't have a chance to rest and recover. This can lead to problems with emotion regulation and coping with stress, which can make mental illness symptoms worse.
Food and hydration: Eating a well-balanced diet and drinking enough water are also important for a healthy mind. In addition to eating good food, try adding foods that can help you be happy. And make sure you're drinking enough water; hydration is linked to decreased risk of anxiety and depression.
Exercise: Being active is another way to help improve your mental health. Exercise can help you bond with others, reduce anxiety, and boost your confidence. It doesn't have to be a lot of exercise; even just walking or biking can be beneficial.
Keep an eye on your social media activity.
Social media can have a negative impact on our mental health, especially if we use it excessively. To avoid this, try these tips:
Set a limit on how long you spend on social media each day.
Don't start or end your day with social media.
Use the time you spend on social media to do something that brings you joy or relaxation.
Write down your thoughts in a journal.
Journaling is a powerful tool for coping with mental health disorders. A 2018 study found that journaling for 15 minutes each day reduced stress and feelings of anxiety. Other research has linked it to helping work through PTSD symptoms or depression. There is no right or wrong way to journal, and many people journal daily. Others may only journal when stressed or need to work through something. Regardless of how you use it, journaling is a way to track your progress and growth throughout the year.
Find something to laugh about.
Laughter is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. When you're feeling down, watch your favorite TV show or movie, or find the source of humor within yourself. Sing in the shower or dance around your house to reduce stress hormones. Dancing has a positive effect on cortisol levels in the body.
No matter what your goals are, StudioSande can help you achieve them with custom stickers, decals, banners, and more. From creating custom designs to printing them on high-quality materials, StudioSande can provide you with the perfect tools to help you reach your resolutions. Whether you're looking to give your home a makeover, promote your business, or just have some fun, StudioSande has the perfect products to help you reach your goals.
About the Author
Sande Edwards is the owner of StudioSande, a graphic design studio based in North Georgia. She has over 11 years of experience in the graphic design industry, and has worked on projects for major organizations such as ATA, WWF, and NSCHBC. In addition to her work in graphic design, Sande is also a talented painter and illustrator.