For a lot of people, the new year means it’s time to work on their overall health. In fact, new year’s resolutions like working out more and eating healthier top the list. But resolutions don’t have to stop at your physical health. By adding some resolutions for mental and emotional health, you can prioritize greater wellness for yourself up in 2023.
Here are a few steps for mental health support to add to your list this year.
Find a therapist
If you’re ready to dig into your mental health, a therapist gives you a great place to start. This is a dedicated person who comes alongside you and takes the time to understand your goals and challenges. A therapist is there to help you develop more insight around yourself. They can help you develop tools to navigate your life and manage obstacles you face on your specific path by deepening your understanding of self. Becoming more aware of yourself is a helpful step in reducing the obstacles you face.
Starting therapy can help with things from stress management to communication with the difficult people in your life. If you’re not sure if therapy could help you, you can always contact our intake coordinator by calling (805) 620-8046 or emailing info@venturacwc.org. We can chat with you about what you’re wanting to get out of therapy to see if it’s a fit for you.
Develop a mindfulness practice
Mindfulness allows you to tune into your life. With greater mindfulness, you have the chance to become more aware, allowing you to stay more connected with moments that can bring you enjoyment in 2023.
You can find the mindfulness practice that works for you. It could be a gratitude journal or yoga. It could be 10 minutes of meditation each day. Explore what helps you stay present and roots you into your life.
Begin to manage your stressors
Stress takes its toll on your physical and mental wellness. In addition to the aches and exhaustion it causes, it can also make symptoms of anxiety and depression worse.
That mindfulness practice you’re working on can definitely help here, as can your therapist. If you’re looking for more strategies you can also try:
– Regular exercise
– Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night
– Setting boundaries with difficult people in your life
– Spending time with friends and family
– Learning to say no
– Eating healthily
With these tools, you can take a step in caring for yourself this year. Need some additional support? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so we can help you with these suggestions.
