As we forge ahead into a new year, it’s important for us all to take the time to reflect, self-analyze and adjust our practices and mindsets. Resolutions give us an opportunity to redefine how we operate. As a community, we can strive to create positive changes this year for the sake of mental wellness. Below we’ve outlined a few resolutions that can uplift your mental well-being this year.
Avoid negativity in your life.
Unwanted negativity only amplifies stress. Instead of spending time and energy on things or people that continually bog you down, remember that they don’t have to rule you or your life path. If you find yourself feeling weighed down by negative thoughts, consider speaking to a trusted friend or clinician for support. Lean on those who care about you when you’re working to reset your thought process.
Remove “should have,” “could have” and “would have” from your vocabulary.
While setting goals can motivate you to live a more positive life, there’s no need to feel like a failure if you don’t meet them. Life is full of surprises, and it’s rarely going to go exactly as planned. So, avoid letting rigid expectations control you. Allow for flexibility, and rest in the fact that you have done the best you can – that is enough.
Alternatively, set realistic expectations.
No one knows you better than yourself, so set your goals and expectations at a pace that you know you can manage. Don’t feel obligated to jump into a major life change that will cause distress later on – this will only increase your chances of not following through. Establish goals that will set you up for success at a reasonable, comfortable pace.
Take time to celebrate yourself!
Rewarding yourself after accomplishing a goal is one of the greatest ways to retain motivation. Celebrating yourself can look different for each person. Whether it’s allowing yourself to have one cheat meal; treating yourself to a small shopping spree; or taking a few hours to pamper yourself, remember to celebrate your hard work – you earned it.
Even though we are continually met with new challenges, we hope that these resolutions can evolve into regular practices that allow you to have a more positive outlook on life. If you or someone you know is struggling to find healthy coping mechanisms or are struggling to maintain their mental well-being this year, our team of certified staff members and clinicians want to help. Through our mental health counseling services, we can assist those experiencing hardships find positive solutions. For more information, contact us at 508-427-5362 or click here.