It's important to look out for your mental health at any time of the year, but with the New Year coming up, many of us may be committing to resolutions for our physical and mental wellbeing.
For many of us, looking after our mental health is a daily task- and we all know what we need to feel good on a day-to-day basis.
From small wins to reaching out to friends and family, there are so many little ways to look after your mental health.
In this blog post, I've put together 23 small ways to look after your mental health in 2023.
Some of these suggestions are serious, some are light-hearted, but I hope all of them can help you feel good and look after your mental health in the New Year.
1. Treat yourself
First things first, treat yourself! The start of a new year is an exciting time- and it's important to recognise how far you've come.
Treat yourself with a holiday, small gift or a bit of time off work if you can.
2. Give yourself a break
This New Year, give yourself a break. Take regular time off from work, including long weekends and proper holidays.
3. Speak to a friend
Look after your mental health this New Year by speaking to someone close. You could chat to a friend about anything that's on your mind, or just meet up with someone for fun.
4. Try a brain dump
A brain dump is an effective way to get your thoughts out of your mind and onto a piece of paper.
If you're feeling stressed or you're just trying to work out a problem, write down your thoughts and see if it helps this New Year.
5. Stroke a dog
Animals are amazing for our mental health. Stroke a dog to relax and reduce your stress. Dogs and puppies are also adorable, helping you feel instantly better if you're having a bad day!
6. Sing your favourite song
Singing a song out loud is sometimes the only way to get your feelings out! If you're feeling anxious or stressed, sing your favourite song as loud as you can.
This can also help with nerves if you have something big coming up soon.
7. Listen to a podcast
You could listen to a podcast about mental health, or find a new topic that interests you. This is also a great way to distract yourself if you've got something on your mind.
8. Surround yourself with nature
Nature is beautiful- and it can have fantastic benefits for your mental health. It can encourage feelings of calmness, joy and creativity.
Head out for a short walk through your local park or spend the day wandering through the woods.
9. Book a therapy session
If you're struggling with your mental health in 2023, you could try booking a therapy session.
There are lots of online and in-person options available to help you reach out to someone who could help.
From coping mechanisms to weekly sessions, there's never anything wrong with seeking professional help.
10. Take a bath
A bath is a small but effective way to look after your mental health in the New Year. Relax, de-stress and take a bit of time for you!
11. Set yourself goals
This might not work for everyone, but setting goals for your mental health is a great way to encourage or track your progress.
You could set a goal to exercise everyday, get out of the house, eat well, practice mindfulness or journal.
12. Meditate
Meditation helps many people with their mental health. It can help you to stay in the moment and reduce overthinking!
13. Look after a plant
Just like the nature outside, plants are a great way to look after your mental health in the New Year.
Water your plant whenever it needs it, and take time to nurture and care for your plant as it grows.
14. Volunteer
Volunteering can be amazing for your mental health. It gives you chance to get out of the house and make a difference to someone else's life.
Becoming a volunteer can help you practice gratitude, and it gives you chance to focus on something outside of work or your personal life.
15. Put your phone away
Let's be honest, phones aren't good for our mental health. From Twitter to emails, it can all get a bit overwhelming sometimes.
Put your phone away to give your mind a break and look after your mental health in the New Year.
16. Love yourself!
This New Year, focus on loving yourself!
It should always be your intention to look after yourself like you look after other people, whether this involves treating yourself, going on holiday or just working on believing in yourself a bit more.
17. Get creative
Creative pursuits can really help with your mental health, including painting, crafting, writing, gardening, photography and more.
18. Read a new book
Reading is a fantastic way to relax and distract yourself, and it can be great for your mental health.
You could read a book about mental health, or simply pick out a new read from the library to relax your mind and de-stress.
19. Start journalling
Many people love to journal for their mental health.
Similar to a brain dump, journalling involves writing down any thoughts and feelings you might have during the day- and there are various different ways to journal for your mental health.
20. Go for a walk
Although we all know a walk won't solve your mental health issues, it is important to take a break from screens or social time and just get some fresh air outside.
You could walk through nature or just blast your favourite music while you walk around the block- and exercise can do wonders for your mind.
21. Get an early night
It's easier said than done, but getting an early night is so important. Sleep helps to restore your physical and mental health, leaving you feeling refreshed and in a better mood the next day.
Make sure you prioritise your sleep in the New Year by getting in a few early nights.
22. Visit a cat café
Cat cafés are adorable, and they are perfect if you want to surround yourself with animals but you don't have any pets.
Stroking a cat can even reduce cortisol in your body, meaning you feel less stressed and anxious.
23. Try yoga
If you're looking for a new hobby in the New Year, yoga is the perfect choice. It is relaxing and calming, and it can also help you de-stress after a difficult day.
This New Year, try out a few beginner yoga sessions by yourself or in a class, to see if it helps your mental wellbeing.
How are you looking after your mental health in 2023? Do you have any small ways to improve your mental wellbeing in the New Year? Let me know!
Love, Sarah xoxoxo
