Lanka Talents

Every New Year, we promise ourselves better physical health. As a result, gyms get superbly crowded in January, until the zeal for weight loss goals fizzles out. But if 2020 has taught us anything it’s that our mental health is important too.

Let’s face it: mental health has not been our priority for the longest time. It was only in 2020, with the pandemic and the resulting lockdown, that we understood how wrong we were in ignoring matters of the mind.

So what could be better than to start New Year 2021 by promising ourselves better mental health, right? Here are seven things you should do in 2021 for better mental health this year:

1. Set realistic goals

A new year gives us hope and a chance to start things all over again. But that does not mean we set unrealistic goals that we just can’t achieve, especially under peer pressure. Setting unrealistic goals can not only make you feel under-confident when you fail to achieve them, but also take a big toll on your mental health. Aim high, but be realistic about it.

Setting your goals right can boost your mental health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Value yourself

Undermining yourself is the worst thing you can do. This can massively hamper your self-worth. Be kind and respectful towards yourself and don’t be too harsh while following your ambitions. Take out some time to do what you really love and give yourself if you stray from your desired path.

3. Take care of your body

A healthy body and healthy mind go hand in hand. So, for better mental health it is important that you keep a check on your physical health as well. So, this year promise yourself that you will eat healthy and clean, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, avoid smoking and drinking—in general follow a healthy lifestyle.

4. Surround yourself with positive people

Let’s face it: we are social animals. Even if you are an introvert, having a small group of friends who are supportive can have a positive impact on your mental health. The kind of people you have in your life can have a major influence on you, so make sure you surround yourself with people who lift you up and not pull you down.

Having a great bunch of people is all you need in 2021. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Set healthy boundaries

Boundaries are not only healthy for your relationship but also your mental health. And no matter what kind of a relationship you share with a person, you need to set some healthy boundaries. Trust, communication, and personal space are the necessities for any relationship and these things can only be incorporated when you set healthy boundaries.

6. Learn to say NO

While being kind and available are not bad things, when you don’t exercise restraint—you pose a risk to your mental health. When your gestures are not equally reciprocated, you end up feeling vulnerable. Not to mention, always being there for everyone can be exhausting—both physically and mentally. So, it is healthy to say no to things that you don’t agree with and don’t want to do.

7. Reach out for help

Last but not the least, don’t keep your feelings bottled up inside you. If you find it hard to share things even with your loved ones and/or pent-up feelings are messing with your mind, then seek professional help without any hesitation. There is no shame in it!