Your mental health is so important. Here are 6 things you can start doing this year for your mental health that can make a big difference.
1. Stop comparing yourself to people online
It's unfair to compare yourself to the images and videos you see of people online because they are just filtered and edited highlights of someone's life.
Most people only show a certain image of themselves and their lives online so comparing your whole life and self to a perfectly curated profile on Instagram is completely unfair.
Next time you do this, actively remind yourself that it's just a curated, edited highlight and this other person's life isn't as perfect as it seems.
2. Know your triggers
Knowing what makes you feel sad, anxious or worried is a great first step to helping you feel better.
If you know what triggers these emotions, you can start to figure out why these actions make you feel this way and work backwards to resolve the issues.
3. Don't bottle things up
Bottling things up is the worst thing you can do for your mental health. However, not everybody feels comfortable talking about their feelings and emotions with others.
If you're one of these people then finding yourself an outlet where you can release these emotions and feelings can be extremely helpful.
For me, it's writing poetry and song lyrics but for you, it could be physical activity, journaling, painting etc.
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4. Give yourself time to relax and unwind
Nowadays most of our lives are all go-go-go, leaving us with little or no time to relax, unwind and reset ourselves.
Not giving yourself time to relax isn't good for you or your mental health so this year set some time aside for yourself each day and if possible, give yourself one day a week to just relax and do the things you enjoy.
5. Stop wasting your energy on toxic friendships or relationships
Toxic friendships or relationships are very draining and usually put a strain on your mental health.
So if you have a friend or partner that you feel is bad for you and fits the description then do yourself a favour and start distancing yourself from them.
Instead, spend your time with people that make you feel good. You'll notice the difference to your mental health almost immediately.
6. Be kind to yourself
We're our own worst critic as they say and I'm fully aware that being kind to yourself isn't as easy as it sounds.
A handy trick my therapist taught me and something I use all the time is to imagine you're saying these overly critical comments about a close friend rather than yourself.
It helps put things in perspective and if the comments are things you would never dream of saying about a friend then you shouldn't be thinking it about yourself either.
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