Four Habits for a Mentally Healthy 2025
As we begin the new year, there may be a lot of great moments and events to look forward to. There could be vacations, engagements, marriages, new jobs, new people to meet, and more. However, you may also feel uneasy about what is ahead of you. Particularly if you have struggled with your mental health the previous year.
At InSync Counseling, we understand the anxiety you might feel when the new year approaches. Mental health is something that should be taken care of all year round. That is why we’re here to offer four habits you can take on to maintain a healthy state of mind throughout the year.
1. Strengthen Your Relationships
Having strong relationships with your friends and family can have a positive effect on your mental health. Since humans are social beings, having close friendships can add meaning to your life, feelings of loneliness will dissipate, and you will have a stronger support system. You can build your support system by regularly keeping in touch with friends, being honest with how you are feeling at the moment, and scheduling biweekly outings with loved ones.
2. Take Breaks from Social Media
Social media has both benefits and drawbacks, and one of the drawbacks of it is that it may cause you to be less present in your daily life, leading you to be distracted easily from your tasks. You can use social media less by avoiding using your phone before bed by putting it far away from you, turning off notifications, or coming up with other activities if you are feeling tempted to check it. Spending less time on social media has been proven to lower stress levels and increase self-esteem.
3. Participate in Physical Movement
Being physically active is not only good for your physical health but mental health as well. Exercising can elevate your mood, alleviate stress, and it improves your sleep schedule by helping you fall asleep faster and longer. However, exercise is not the only physical activity that helps improve mental health. You can also try stretching, dancing, gardening, or hiking. How you choose to take care of your mental health is not a “one-size-fits-all” decision.
4. Make Time for Rest
Like with physical activity, rest is also something that is different for other people. The most agreed-upon meaning of resting is allowing the mind to unwind and recharge. Some ways you can rest are to take short breaks throughout the day, do some stretching exercises, and practice one of your hobbies. You can also consider turning down events that could cause you to become overwhelmed. That way, you can use that time to decompress and prepare yourself to take on challenges again.
Final Thoughts
By adopting these habits, you may be able to make great progress in your mental health journey. The path ahead of you may look daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You deserve to have a fulfilling year that is free of pressure, and these strategies can make a big difference.
If you are feeling anxious about the year ahead of you, InSync Counseling is here to help you prepare to face any challenge that comes.
