New Year’s Resolutions and Mental Health

Once the New Year begins, most of us are ready to join a gym, organize our homes, or even start budgeting our money better. All of these pursuits are important ones, but how many of us include getting mentally healthy in our list of New Year’s resolutions? With mental health being just as important as physical health, it should not be taken for granted. We should strive towards incorporating it into our resolutions for the New Year. Some positive mental health resolutions are listed below to help you get your new year off to a good start!

• Keep track of your moods. Make a little note each day of how you are feeling. This will help you stay on top of your bad days or bad months, so you can see any patterns to share with your mental health provider.
• At the end of each day, write a positive thing that happened. It doesn’t have to be a big event; it can be as small as having a delicious cupcake for dessert. Adding a positive spin to each day will help you feel more positive over time.
• Find a hobby you enjoy. It doesn’t matter what the hobby is just as long as it makes you feel happy, relaxed, and fulfilled.
• Learn self-help techniques for stressful times. It is very helpful to have a toolbox of techniques to use when you are in a difficult situation. If the issue becomes too great, make sure to contact your mental health provider.
• Get more sleep. Sleep is a necessity and even getting just 10 extra minutes of sleep each night can be of benefit to you.
• Do something physical at least once a week. A little bit of exercise can help improve your mental, as well as physical health. The endorphins released will help reduce your stress and can sometimes even lower rates of depression.

By dedicating some time and care to your mental health, you are taking steps to making a positive change in life. Your mental health matters, so make sure to include it as you make your list of resolutions. Wishing you a happy and mentally healthy new year!

Sources:
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/imperfect/2016/12/your-mental-health-is-just-as-important-as-your-physical-health/
http://metro.co.uk/2015/12/30/20-new-years-resolutions-for-better-mental-health-in-2016-5592329/

Lori Atkinson, Operations Assistant for The Kim Foundation
Lori Atkinson joined The Kim Foundation in May 2015 as an Operations Assistant.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree from UNL in Middle Level Education. She was an 8^th grade English teacher in the Omaha Public Schools for ten years and started a small non-profit in her husband’s memory in 2010. Lori assists with many of the day-to-day tasks for The Kim Foundation which includes scheduling presentations in the community, coordinating booths at conferences, attending mental health trainings, researching mental illness/suicide, and working community events.  Lori is the proud mom of three children and is actively involved in her church.