New Year’s Resolutions To Help You Feel Better

New Year’s Resolutions: Tired Of The Same Old?

Most of the new year’s resolutions – lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, exercise more, etc – focus on our physical appearance or wellbeing. This year try picking a resolution which will help improve your mental wellbeing. Here are a few ideas.

Try New Food

Set aside one day each week or month to try something new to eat. Whether that be a new recipe to try cooking or a new restaurant to visit, trying new food will not only open up a variety of different taste experiences, but research has also found that introducing positive nutrition into our diets helps improve health. It also sets a good example to children who might become fussy eaters, helping them to appreciate a world of cuisine and cooking styles.

Volunteer

These days, volunteering can take numerous forms. From litter picking in your local area every week to providing short term online administrative assistance to a national charity remotely, there are a plethora of opportunities out there to suit your skill-set and schedule. Use the website www.reachvolunteering.org.uk to search for opportunities that are appropriate to you. Not only is volunteering a great way to do something positive for others (which research has shown makes us feel happier), it will also help you to develop new or existing skills, meet new people and keep you mentally and physically active.

Take A Break From Social Media

Pledge to take one month off social media this year. Or even just a week. Or designate one day a week to be a social media free day. Spending too much time on social media has been proven to induce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. So give your mind a break by ditching social media for a bit.

Get Creative

Set aside time each week, maybe 30 minutes or so, to be creative. Try writing poetry or a short story, compose or play music, do some sewing or crafting, or spend some time drawing or painting. Multiple studies have shown that spending time doing something creative increases positive emotions and lessens feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.

Give Yourself A Compliment Each Morning

Research has shown that a little bit of self-love slowed people’s heart rate and sweating, reducing stress. So take a little time each day to focus on something you like about yourself to begin the day in a more positive and stress-free way.