5 Easy Ideas For Mental Health Self-Care In The New Year
Of course most of us are all too familiar with the standard pressures of New Year’s Resolutions. Thankfully many people have come to realize that setting themselves up for unachievable goals is not the best way to start out a new year.
With another year endured of a worldwide pandemic, the effects of increased mental health effects are evident in the rising levels of anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, and loss of hope. It is high time we grant ourselves some gifts of mental health self care. That being said, here is a list of 5 easy to incorporate ideas for mental health self-care in the new year.
1. Catch A Sunrise or Sunset
A quick and easy way to disconnect from a stressful routine is to break pace by catching a beautiful sunrise or sunset. It is a wonderful opportunity to truly be in the moment. List aloud each of the different colors that you see as they change in the sky. List aloud the different sounds you hear, the wind, birds, an airplane, etc. List aloud anything you physically feel such as the wind, the cold, rain drops, the soft inside of your jacket, etc. Listing these things aloud can help the mind to focus on what is real and happening in the present moment instead of being caught up in thoughts about things that aren’t happening at that moment. This brings peace.
2. Allow For Do-Overs and Re-Dos
It easy easy to react in a moment of stress in a way that is regrettable. Maybe it is yelling at a loved one or snapping at the discourteous driver in traffic. Well the good news is that this is just part of being human and imperfect, but the better news is that Re-Dos and Do-Overs are also allowed! This may be as simple as saying to a loved one, you know what I wish I wouldn’t have just said what I said to you and what I should have said was …. (insert your do-over here). It may not instantly resolve the hurt but it at least grants you the opportunity on practicing doing things the way you hope to do them more often in the future.
Even in the instance of the bad driver who evokes a choice word or two of rage from within, we can grant ourselves the chance to just replay the scenario once our emotions have settled and choose a different way or phrase that we find more helpful and less reactive. Again, the practice is for our own self-care so it doesn’t matter if the other person even knows about it.
3. Grant Yourself Grace
If you find yourself constantly comparing yourself against a standard that leaves your feeling less than, whether that comes from seeing the false realities posted on social media, or listening to the little voice that has some high standard of the way things “should be”, it is time to grant yourself grace! Talk to yourself as you would a best friend. Focus on your positive attributes and for those areas that are still a work in progress simply grant yourself grace.
4. Make A List Of Simple Things That Bring You Joy
Taking the time to create a list of the simple things that bring joy and then posting it somewhere where you will see it often such as on your fridge or bathroom mirror can serve as a needful daily reminder. Simple things such as chatting with a friend, going for a walk, watching your favorite movie or show, reading a book while drinking your favorite brand of hot chocolate, etc. Keep it light and easy to remind yourself of the simple things in life that can bring joy.
5. Listen To Positive Affirmations Or Guided Meditations
One of the benefits of the information age is the easy access to positive tools that others have already put the effort into creating and are often willing to share for free. A simple search on Youtube for Positive Affirmations or even specific Affirmations to help with a specific challenge being faced such as self-esteem, anxiety, depression, can bring up a number of videos that many have found helpful and easy to engage with. Similarly guided meditations can be found in abundance with all kinds of themes to benefit the listeners.
If we can be of any assistance to you or your loved ones regarding mental health healing please call us today at 1-888-986-7848
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