It’s that time of year again when people start looking at their lives and thinking about what they want to improve. We’ve all heard someone say, “New year, new me.” Something about the start of a new year gives people hope of a fresh start. Year after year people make resolutions focused on physical changes such as cutting out sugar, losing weight, and exercising more. So why do only 8% of people stick to their resolutions? Well, a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something which means there can only be success or failure. This all or nothing mindset leaves no room for common life occurrences like sickness, strict deadlines, or birthday celebrations. Instead of focusing on physical resolutions, let’s make 2022 the year of mental health.
Four ways to improve your mental health this year:
1. Celebrate the little things
Learn to acknowledge smaller wins throughout the week. No traffic on the way home from work? Got an A on a quiz? Cleaned out the garage? When you recognize something as being rewarding your nervous system releases the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. These chemical messengers help boost your mood, maintain motivation, and regulate sleep among other things. Sounds pretty great if you ask me!
2. Apply the golden rule to yourself
Chances are as a child you were taught the golden rule which is to treat others as you would treat yourself. But what if you treat others better than you treat yourself? Negative self-talk can be a downward spiral that is detrimental to your mental health. If you notice yourself doing this ask yourself what you would say to a friend in the same situation. If you wouldn’t talk to you friend in a hurtful manner don’t talk to yourself in one either.
3. Validate your emotions
It’s okay not to be happy 24/7. Allow yourself to feel sad, mad, hurt, frustrated, etc. You can never experience true happiness if you’re trying to bury every other emotion. Although it may be uncomfortable to endure negative emotions, the sooner you allow yourself to feel them the sooner you can work through them.
4. Set healthy boundaries
If you constantly find yourself feeling guilty or responsible for someone else’s well-being or questioning your own worth it might be time to set some boundaries. This could mean asking someone not to discuss dieting around you, declining an invitation when you need time to yourself, distancing or even removing someone from your life.
Written by Shelby Armstrong - Dietetic Intern