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How to Prioritise Your Mental Health This Year

The start of a new year is an ideal time to focus on prioritising your mental health. Mental well-being is just as important as physical health, yet it often gets overlooked in the hustle of daily life. Taking care of your mental health can also improve your physical health by reducing muscle tension caused by stress. By making self-care a priority, you can reduce stress, enhance your mood, and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.  Here are some strategies to help you prioritise your mental health this year:

 


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Start with Self-Awareness: Understand Your Mental Health Needs


The first step to improving your mental health is understanding where you currently stand. Take time to reflect on your emotional, mental, and physical state. Where are you at now? Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious? Do you often feel exhausted or burnt out? Journaling can be a great tool for self-reflection, helping you identify areas that need attention.

 

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  • Wellness Journals: Keep track of your thoughts and feelings with a guided journal that encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and self-reflection.


  • Mood Tracking Apps: Apps that help monitor your mood, anxiety, or stress levels can provide insights into patterns that can inform your self-care practices.


Set Realistic Mental Health Goals


Setting goals gives you a roadmap for your mental well-being, but they must be realistic and achievable and not something that is going to add to how overwhelmed you feel. Whether it’s reducing anxiety, managing stress, or improving your self-esteem, break your goals down into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, instead of aiming for “total stress relief,” try something more tangible like “practice deep breathing for 5 minutes every day.” We underestimate how important just breathing consciously is, it helps put us in contact with how we are feeling physically and can stop stress catching us unawares.

 

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  • Goal-Setting Planners: Wellness planners designed specifically for mental health goals can help break down big goals into actionable steps.


  • Therapy or Coaching Sessions: Professional help is key for some mental health goals, and booking regular therapy or life coaching sessions can support your progress.



Build Healthy Daily Habits


Mental health improves when we create habits that promote well-being. This might mean committing to a daily meditation practice, exercising regularly, or getting enough sleep each night. Consistent, positive habits are the foundation of a healthy mind. These are not overnight big wins but small measurable steps which will progressively add up over the year to have you feeling your best self by the year’s end.

 

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  • Meditation or Relaxation Tools: Guided meditation apps, soothing sound machines, or aromatherapy diffusers can enhance your mindfulness practice.


  • Fitness Gear: Regular physical activity releases endorphins and boosts your mood. Consider investing in a fitness tracker, yoga mat, or resistance bands to support your routine.


  • Sleep Aids: Prioritising good sleep is essential for mental health. Products like weighted blankets, sleep masks, or calming teas can help improve your sleep quality.



Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management


Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can significantly reduce stress and help you stay grounded. By focusing on the present moment, you can prevent negative thoughts from overwhelming you. Mindfulness reduces anxiety, enhances self-awareness, and promotes emotional regulation. Mindfulness is as simple as going for a walk to clear your head of work stress.

 

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  • Mindfulness Apps: Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer can guide your mindfulness journey with daily meditations or relaxation exercises.


  • Stress-Relief Tools: Tools like fidget toys, stress-relief balls, or adult colouring books can help you de-stress throughout the day.


Connect with Others and Seek Support


You don’t have to prioritise your mental health alone. Building a strong support system can make a world of difference. Whether it’s family, friends, or support groups, connecting with others helps reduce feelings of isolation and promotes a sense of belonging. Surround yourself with others who support you through the good and the bad in life.

 

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  • Online Therapy Subscriptions: Platforms like BetterHelp provide accessible therapy and support when you need it most.


  • In-Person Therapy: Check for a local therapist in your area on the BACP, Counselling Directory, or Psychology Today website to support you.


  • Self-Help Books: Books on mental health, self-improvement, and personal growth can provide guidance and insights into managing emotions.


Learn to Set Boundaries


Setting boundaries is a powerful tool for protecting your mental health. Whether it’s in relationships, work, or daily life, knowing when to say no and giving yourself permission to take breaks can prevent burnout. Healthy boundaries help you maintain your emotional well-being while allowing you to preserve your energy.

 

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  • Boundary-Setting Workbooks: Use guided exercises in workbooks designed to help you define and establish healthy boundaries in various areas of your life.


  • Relaxation Tools: Products like noise-cancelling headphones or a cosy blanket can create a peaceful environment where you can unwind and protect your space.


Prioritise Self-Compassion


We’re often our harshest critics, but practicing self-compassion is key to improving mental health. Instead of berating yourself for setbacks, learn to be kind to yourself during tough times. Understand that it’s okay to not be perfect and that growth happens over time. Challenge your inner critic by asking yourself: Would I say this to a friend?


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  • Affirmation Cards: Positive affirmations can encourage self-compassion. Use a deck of affirmation cards to remind yourself of your worth and strengths.


  • Self-Care Kits: Curate a self-care kit with products that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, such as bath salts, candles, and soothing lotions.


Take Time for Yourself


In a busy world, we often forget the importance of downtime. Taking time for yourself, whether it’s for a hobby, a relaxing bath, or simply resting, is crucial for mental health. Prioritise time each week to recharge and engage in activities that bring you joy. It does not have to be a huge amount of time, just 5 minutes here or there can make a big difference.

 

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  • Self-Care Subscription Boxes: Subscription boxes that deliver wellness products like candles, skincare, and bath salts can be a great way to unwind.


  • Hobby Kits: Whether it’s painting, knitting, or gardening, engage in a creative hobby that helps you relax and unwind.



Prioritising your mental health is not a one-time task, but a continuous commitment to nurturing your well-being. By incorporating self-care strategies, setting realistic goals, and utilising helpful tools, you can create a foundation for a healthier, more balanced life. Remember, your mental health matters, and making it a priority is the first step toward a happier, more fulfilling year.

 

Ready to start prioritising your mental health today? Check out my website https://www.forcounselling.co.uk/ for more information about how counselling can support you or email me at info@forcounselling.co.uk.

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©2024 by Pause for Counselling. Images kindly provided by Robert McIntosh.

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