How to be More Mentally Healthy in 2017

The new year is here and that means many of us will make New Year’s resolutions such as to lose weight, quit smoking, get our finances in order, etc.. but how many of us make it our mission to improve our mental health? Getting physically and financially healthy is certainly important but so is mental health, in fact it may be the key to making sure the other areas of our lives go just a little more smoothly. Improve your attitude and it might be a little easier to quit smoking or cut back on junk food. In fact, the two may very well go hand in hand. Success improving your mental health can translate to success in your physical and financial well being.

So how can you go about improving your mental health?

1. Stop listening to the negatives – Believe it or not you don’t need to listen to the naysayers whether they be friends, family or even from within your own head. Turn off the negative thoughts and don’t listen to people who tell you you can’t do it. You are what you believe so start believing the best.
2. Shut off the social media – You don’t have to shut down your Facebook or Instagram account but make an effort to spend less time on those sites. Comparing yourself to others isn’t healthy and studies have shown that people often feel worse after spending time on social media sites. Instead call a friend, read a book or go for a walk.
3. Think before you react – Too often we jump to conclusions before getting all the information, this isn’t healthy and can actually have some very real consequences like losing a job or causing a breakup. Before flying off the handle at bad news make sure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision and even then it can be quiet beneficial to wait another day before acting on the information.
4. Seek help – If you feel like you need some help achieving mental health seek the aid of a professional. Even though it may seem as though there is a stigma still attached to seeking a mental health professional that shouldn’t prevent you from getting the help you need. If you don’t know where to start talk to your primary care physician for a referral.
5. Go easy on yourself – We all make mistakes so be sure to forgive yourself when you trip.
6. Seek mindfulness – Staying in the moment can be one of the best things you do for yourself. You can’t change yesterday and tomorrow hasn’t happened yet. Enjoy the moment and make the most of it.