What do you plan to accomplish in the coming year? Maybe you want to do something bigger, like run a marathon or start a business. Or maybe you just want to feel healthier and happier. Whatever your intentions for 2022, the first step is to take care of your mental health. Here are three ways you can set yourself up for success:
- Get active
You probably already know this – exercise is good for your health. Not only does it help with weight management, but it has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and mental wellbeing. Even small amounts of exercise can have an impact on your mental health: a single session of exercise produces increased levels of dopamine in the brain, which can improve your mood significantly.[1] Regular exercise has even more benefits – so if you’re struggling to get up off the couch or are feeling lethargic and unmotivated, start moving!
- Be social
It may sound clichéd, but it’s true: happiness is contagious. Being surrounded by positive people makes you feel happy too – even watching TV shows with happy characters can improve your mood.
- Reduce stress
You should ideally be able to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life. Stress can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It also makes it harder for you to solve problems and concentrate on difficult tasks. By thinking about what stresses you out and taking steps to reduce or eliminate those stressors, you can prevent some of the most common mental health issues that people suffer from today.
- Spend time with friends and family
Spending time with people who care about you can reduce feelings of isolation and help you feel more connected to others. Relationships are an important part of mental health since they give us a sense of belonging and support that we need from others. Some studies even show that spending time with friends is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood overall.
