Set Realistic Mental Health Goals For the New Year

By Candice McKinney, MA

As we embark on a new year, the perfect opportunity presents itself to make resolutions geared towards better physical, financial, and emotional health. We must be intentional about setting realistic and achievable goals especially when it comes to our mental health. After experiencing the turbulent twist and turns of 2020, one thing we could all use is a moment to put ourselves first.

Consider utilizing therapy to help you sort through your goals. The perspective of a neutral party could be just what you need to help you take the next steps toward a more stable and peaceful life. You can find a therapist by searching many of the therapist directories available on the internet or give your insurance provider a call to see who is available in your network. In the meantime, here is some advice for making your mental health a top priority:

Listen to your body: How we treat our mind and body is very telling in regard to our mental health, so we must treat it well. Drinking lots of water, getting sufficient sleep, and getting exercise are all healthy tools we can use to treat our bodies and minds well.

Normalize Asking for Help: In this culture of being independent, the ability to ask for help can often be a far-fetched idea. However, pretending that nothing is wrong does not make it go away. Seeking professional guidance from a mental health professional can help in sorting through life’s challenges and to help determine what is triggering the emotions you are feeling. Committing to therapy is the bravest thing that you can do.

In closing, as we embrace the New Year, I leave you with these words: “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.” -Dalai Lama.