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The beginning of a new year brings opportunities to reflect on your current habits and vow to make the changes you want to see in yourself. Focusing on your mental health is an important piece of that. 

Instead of setting your sights on goals that might seem overwhelmingly big and difficult to undertake, try incorporating smaller ways to boost your mental health this year. Each of these ten tips is actionable and achievable and can help you improve your mood, strengthen relationships, and practice self-care. Get ready to take on a new year with your mental health top of mind.     

Improve relationships by staying connected.

Maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family is a critical part of your emotional well-being. But it’s easy to lose touch or forget to call or text regularly when you’re busy with everyday life.

Make it a point to check in with loved ones regularly – mark it on your calendar to remember. Even a quick chat or a text can brighten their day and yours.

Improve your sleep habits.

Getting a good night’s rest is important for your physical and mental health.  Not getting enough hours of restorative sleep each night or doom-scrolling before bed can wreak havoc on your body and mind.

If forcing yourself to go to bed earlier feels like a nightmare, you can just make some tweaks to your sleep habits to improve your rest. Try avoiding caffeine after 3 pm and keeping your room around 65 degrees to optimize the hours you do get.

Laugh.

Think about the last time you had a solid belly laugh and how good it felt. Laughing out loud improves your mood in the short term, but it can also have long-term benefits like boosting your immune system and relieving pain.

Laughter might not actually be “the best medicine,” but it certainly relieves stress – whether you’re watching a comedy or hanging out with a funny friend.

Get outside and soak up some rays.

Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D, which can help improve your mood. If you’re worried about too much sun exposure, make it a quick walk around the block or just open the window in the room you’re sitting in.

You can also slather on some sunscreen and get outside to eat a meal or exercise. Even just taking a break outside on your porch on a sunny winter day can do wonders for your state of mind.

Exercise (even a little).

Speaking of exercise, we all know moving your body is important for your physical health, but it’s also great for your mental health. 

Exercise doesn’t have to be defined as time logged at the gym or even playing a sport, if that’s not your thing. Just taking a walk or getting up from your desk every so often to stretch can help with blood flow and oxygen moving through your body.

Learn something new.

Focusing on learning new things or skills can help your brain stay healthy and flexible. And it doesn’t have to be as involved as learning a new language. It can be a new hobby like gardening, or simply taking in a museum exhibit on something different.

Contrary to popular belief, you never stop learning and growing your brain. Believing in a life-long growth mindset will help you discover passions and talents you never knew you had.

Be mindful and take care of yourself.

The pressure to stay productive and “do” all the time can take its toll. Remember, you don’t have to prove your worth to anyone.

Learn to say “no” to things that don’t support your journey and feel good about taking the time you need to relax and reset.

Appreciate what you have.

When we’re always surrounded by images of ideals across social media or television and movies, we compare what we have and sometimes find it lacking. Try not to measure your happiness against unrealistic quantifications.

Remind yourself of what you’re grateful for; try journaling or creating a mood board of images that align with what you love about where you are right now.

Practice positivity.

It’s easier said than done, but identifying and challenging your negative thoughts is a good first step towards appreciating the bigger picture. 

Try not to dwell on past mistakes. You know that no one is perfect, so forgive yourself and focus on moving forward. Remember, your toughest critic is usually you.

Reach out for help if you need it.

Part of focusing on your mental health is recognizing when you might need support. Although you don’t need to have a clinical condition to seek professional help, if you’ve been feeling more anxious or depressed lately, or noticed changes in your moods, trying therapy could be helpful.

MindGlow Health offers talk therapy and psychiatric care through online appointments with licensed providers who are experienced and passionate about what they do. The company was built on the foundation of a well-established behavioral health organization, where thousands of people nationwide have sought care for their mental health concerns. 

Learn more about the services we provide or get started today with one of our experienced, passionate online providers to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.