What Will You Do Differently This Year? 

Introduction 

The new year has arrived. We have moved from 2021 to 2022. 

Some may feel that the year has gone fast, others may feel that it has gone too slow. 

What has gone well for you the previous year? And what are you willing to change this year?

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Did you enjoy your year? Are you ready for this year? 

Welcome to 2022. 

New Year’s Resolution – What are your goals? 

New Year’s Resolution, is just a more formal way to say, what do you want to achieve this year? 

Or, what are your goals and how will you make this possible? 

It is always nice to start the year with some goals you want to achieve. Like turning the next page of your life, or having a fresh start to the year. 

A resolution is a decision and a mindset where you believe in setting goals, at the start of the new year, and trying your best to follow it. 

A resolution is something that you can work towards. Do not make your goal for the year something impossible to reach. Be realistic with your aim. 

Goals vary from person to person, depending on several factors. 

A student during their exams, may set a goal of completing past exam papers for revision, or set a goal to revise for an hour or two a day. 

A smoker who wants to stop, may aim to reduce his smoking a step at a time, or may seek therapy to help towards quitting. 

A person who wants to be more active, may set a goal to exercise regularly, or follow a certain diet plan to help towards their goal. 

To break out of a bad habit, or to break into a good habit, it is not a wrong to think the word resolution has this meaning.

New Year’s Resolution and Mental Health 

Starting the new year with a good mindset, is the right direction to start off on. A healthy mind, means a steady year. 

By working on your mental health, it also improves your physical health at the same time. Both are tied to each other and support its counterpart. 

New Year’s Resolution – How to Improve your Mental Health 

There are numerous ways to manage your mental health. 

– Self-care 

It is important that you give yourself the care that you deserve. 

Indulge yourself and plan time for yourself. It can be as simple as watching your favourite movies, listening to music, or reading a book. 

Pursue activities that put you in a good mood. 

Keeping positive can boost confidence and self-esteem. Positive thoughts can help drive away the negative. 

– Regulate consumption of alcohol/ substances 

Overconsumption of alcohol and mishandling of drugs can affect your mental health and not just your physical health. 

It can allow for negative thoughts to take hold, such as depression and anxiety, which can affect mental health in the long term. 

It can lead to an addiction of substances, which is never a good thing. 

By controlling or avoiding its use, it can enable you to keep a clear mind and help with maintaining your mental wellbeing. 

If you see yourself as someone who may have an unhealthy addiction to alcohol, or drugs, it may be in your best interest to get help or support from a professional. This would be the first step to a healthier life. 

– Sleep

Sleep is another factor to our mental health. It may seem as something small and common, but it makes a world of difference to our mental health. 

Sleeping a good amount can allow for a well-rested mind and a positive attitude once away. 

Getting into a routine of sleeping at the same time, can help you get the right amount of rest every day. 

Limit the amount of sugar and caffeine before you turn in for the night. 

Using electronics before you rest can cause difficulty sleeping. 

An adult needs, on average at least 8 hours of sleep. 

Children, depending on their age, may need 9 – 12 hours of sleep. 

– A Healthy Diet 

Keeping a healthy diet is one way to promote a healthy mind and body. Eating well can allow your body to feel energised and will allow your mind to feel positive.

– Being active 

Exercising not only can help the body to function more ably, but also allows the mind to feel refreshed and enables positive thoughts. 

Go outdoors. Even if it is chilly weather right now, and your mind is against it, it is beneficial to your mental health. 

Join a club, go hiking, or try volunteering. You may be able to make new friends along the way. 

– A Break from social media 

Try to limit yourself on social platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook. 

Social media can cause you to feel stressful and unhappy, as you may find yourself coming your lives to theirs. 

You may feel that after distancing yourself from these platforms, your stress levels have lowered and you may feel more energised.