Making Mental Health Matter in the New Year
By Brandi Goodman
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Although this is true, many people are still not making it a priority. We often let the stresses of life get to us and resort to coping mechanisms that aren't ideal for our well-being at all. Make your mental health matter in the new year by making some beneficial changes.
Quit Drinking
It's fine to have a drink or two once in a while. If you've been overindulging on alcohol lately though, such as throughout the holidays by adding liquor to your eggnog or going to a party on New Year's, then it's time to give it a rest. Quit drinking in the new year so you can have better mental clarity and improved mood. Alcohol is a depressant that lowers your mood and can make you feel anxious and upset easily.
Add Exercise to Your Daily Routine
Exercise releases endorphins that can make you feel good. If you aren't usually one to work out, make small changes that can help you add in exercise to your daily routine. Walking or biking to work instead of driving or taking the bus could be one option. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when you're at the mall. Park farther away when grocery shopping so you have to walk more. There's lots of small options that will add up to big rewards.
Start a Sleep Routine
If you don't currently have a sleep routine the new year is a great time to get one. Starting a sleep routine will help ensure you fall asleep faster at night and you're getting enough rest throughout it. Your mental well-being will be better for it. Poor rest can lead to poor mood, scattered thoughts, an inability to get things done, and sluggishness. Getting more sleep can give you the mental clarity you need to focus and make your achievements.
Join a Group
Loneliness quickly deteriorates our mental health. Don't make the mistake of keeping completely to yourself in the new year. Join a group, team, or class or simply spend more time with friends if you want to improve your mental well-being. Surrounding yourself with others can help to keep your spirits high and make you feel as though you're not in this life alone.
Your mental health matters. Make it matter to you more by making changes in the new year that will help you to find healthier ways to cope. Your physical health can deteriorate as well and you can become ill quickly if you aren't taking care of your mental well-being.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Round Rock, Tex.