You survived 2022. It was not easy. We’re still in the throes of the pandemic, the winter has had its unbearable cold spell, prices keep climbing and there’s no ceiling in sight – the year has definitely been a hard one. The tumultuousness of the time has definitely taken a toll on our mental health.
Fortunately, the new year presents us with a great opportunity to reset. Here are three tips to help make the best of your mental health in 2023.
Build a habit of regular exercise
Studies show that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise releases endorphins – the feel-good hormones. These hormones can provide a needed emotional boost in our day-to-day life. You don’t have to start power-lifting; any form of regular movement counts. A light and relaxing yoga practice or a walk around your block for a lap or two, will both do wonders for your mood throughout the day.
Getting up and moving often feels impossible when we’re in a funk. This is why it’s important to build a habit. It becomes as routine as brushing your teeth and showering. Your body can exercise on auto pilot, too.
Prioritize in-person interactions
It’s easier than ever to connect with friends and family all over the world. Apps like Zoom and Facetime have become invaluable parts of our lives in the last couple of years since the pandemic when human interaction was its most costly.
The worst is behind us, and some argue that over reliance on these apps can be detrimental to our mental health. Human beings are naturally social creatures. Maintaining a connection to vent, commiserate, and bond is a part of the human experience. While it’s still important to maintain pandemic best practices – washing hands, wearing masks, etc. – going outside, feeling the sun kiss your skin (it’s still there even if it’s frigid), and establishing community are all tenets of good living.
Get professional help
Sometimes our brains simply will not cooperate with us. A bad day can spiral into a week or a month, and before you know it, another year has gone by. If it feels hopeless, sometimes you need a push, or some external guidance to form a tailor-made strategy to get you on the right track. Think of it like this: we brush our teeth to keep them healthy, but if you had a cavity, you’d see a dentist. It’s 2023, and there’s no shame in seeking help.
