New Year’s Intentions for Better Mental Health
A brand new year is a great time to realign your focus on improving your mental and physical health. Many people have goals to exercise more, learn a new skill, or save up for a vacation, but often these resolutions end within the new year’s first two months. Many institutes focused on helping individuals improve their mental health have found that intentions, and not resolutions, are more beneficial.
12 New Year’s Intentions to Improve Your Mental Health
If you’re interested in improving your mental health in the new year, here are 12 great ways to get started that may resonate with you:
1. Clear Out Your Social Media
Social media has the potential to be both good or bad for your mental health. Why not start the year by unfollowing, blocking, or deleting everyone and everything that makes you feel bad about yourself or causes negativity?
Surrounding yourself with positive, balanced influences can help you find the right mind space to create healthy, happy intentions for the journey of the next year.
2. Exercise for You
Physical activity is a great way to get healthier and boost your mood. Spending time moving your body and doing things you love, whether it’s swimming, dancing, or lifting weights, can help you build a more positive outlook on life and make a big impact on your self-confidence.
3. Practice Regular Self-Care
It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Finding time to relax, take a bath, treat yourself to some shopping, or get out of the city are all excellent ways to help you see things with fresh eyes and find a more positive outlook on life.
4. Eat Healthier
Diet is a big part of your mental and physical health. Why not make it a New Year’s intention to eat healthier, nourish your body and mind, and even learn how to cook healthy versions of your favorite meals?
5. Start Journaling
Journaling is a great way to get your emotions and negativity out onto a page, where it may seem much easier to manage compared to when it’s stuck in your head. Taking a few minutes every day to write down what you’re thinking or feeling can help you gain perspective on the things that usually make you unhappy.1
6. Focus on You
Remember, it’s okay to be selfish and take time for just yourself. You don’t owe anyone your time or effort if you feel unable to give it. So, remember to take time to focus on yourself, practice gratitude, and find happiness in where you’re at.
7. Establish a Healthy Sleep Pattern
Sleep can affect every aspect of your mental health. Make getting eight hours of sleep a habit this new year, and you’ll notice the positive effects on your emotions and mindset.2
8. Find a Hobby You Love
Starting a hobby or activity you love is a great way to keep yourself positive and excited about life. Whether it’s painting, horseback riding, or rock climbing, doing the stuff you love will always leave you happier than before.
9. Help Others
Volunteering is a great way to get out and help others while pushing you out of your comfort zone and improving your mental health. Helping others is one of the easiest ways to feel happier about your life, and who doesn’t need a little more happiness any time of year?
10. Don’t Bottle Up Your Feelings
Hiding or suppressing emotions is incredibly detrimental to your mental health.3 If you’re intent on making yourself heard, a great way to start could be to practice expressing yourself more freely and efficiently and not hiding why you’re upset. Not only could it help you become happier, but it could improve your relationships by improving your communication.
11. Take Time Away from Electronics
Take regular breaks from electronics to spend time with the people you love and do the things you enjoy. It’s easy to get caught up in the world behind the screen, but reminding yourself to enjoy the real world is just as important.
12. Get Help for Your Mental Health
If you feel you need more guidance to direct your intentions or find new ways to manage your emotions or reaction, Balance Treatment Center offers personalized, evidence-based treatment options for individuals from all walks of life looking for professional help with their mental health.
Whether you join a residential or outpatient program, Balance Treatment Center has the equipment and staff necessary to help you find happiness and health this new year. For more information on the treatments we offer, contact our team at 855-414-8100 today.
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