As we wrap up 2021 and head into the new year, it’s important to take time to reflect on the past year. We experienced yet another 12 months in a pandemic, filled with chaos and uncertainty. It’s understandable if you’ve struggled with your mental health in recent months. In fact, you’re not alone: There’s been a huge spike in the number of adults dealing with anxiety and depression. Fortunately, with a few mental health-focused resolutions, you can get your mental wellness back on track. Here are a few ideas to inspire you!

The Importance of Mindfulness and Boundaries

• Commit to mindfulness: Mindfulness has been proven to give your mental health a boost and help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try to find a few minutes each day to commit to your practice. While it may look a little different for everyone, remaining in the present and staying grounded are the main goals of mindfulness. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise is a great way to improve your mental wellbeing. Look for 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Paying attention to your surroundings can really help you slow down and keep calm during hectic moments. Plus, this exercise only takes about a minute, making it easy to implement into your everyday routine.

• Set better work-life boundaries: As the pandemic continues and many people are still working virtually, setting better work-life boundaries can be a great goal to focus on in the new year. Working from home often results in a confusing jumble of professional and personal responsibilities. It can either slow down your productivity or disrupt your home life. A few tips for keeping the two separate include: don’t work in your bedroom; maintain a routine with regular work hours; and get dressed every day.

Commit to Improving Your Mental Health in the New Year

• Get more sleep: Getting enough sleep is extremely important in maintaining good mental health. Research even says so! Studies show that approximately 65 to 90 percent of people with major depression also experience sleeping problems. Try to give yourself a consistent night routine and hit the hay at the same time each day in 2022. Aim for a full eight hours each night to allow you to show up energized, alert, and ready to tackle the new year!

• Ask for help: The tips above can help you manage stress, anxiety, or depression. They can also boost your mood when you’re feeling down or unmotivated. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression that interfere with your daily life, reaching out to a trusted therapist is the most important resolution you can make. Getting proper treatment is the best way to improve your mental health and achieve all of your goals in 2022!

Discover the possibility of living a meaningful life. Discover the possibility of recovery. Reach out to Dr. Benaaz Russell, PsyD, CEDS, today to schedule an appointment!