New Year's Resolutions For Your Mental Health | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

New Year's Resolutions For Your Mental Health

Rest and relaxation are in your future.

14
New Year's Resolutions For Your Mental Health
Inpatient Recovery Center

Let’s be real--how many New Year’s resolutions do we actually keep? For me, the answer is zero. I usually start off all motivated in January and by the time February rolls around, I’ve lost all interest. Well, I’m determined to make this year different. Instead of making resolutions to do well in school or keep well-rounded friendships, I’m going to focus on improving my mental health. Treating your mind with respect will lead to other aspects of your life falling into place.

This year it’s time to take a more positive approach to life. When times get rough, our minds go right to all the negatives, but in order to keep a healthy mindset we need to focus on the positives. Try to take the glass half full approach and see the good in things even when your mind wants to focus on all the bad. Changing your mindset does wonders for the rest of your life as you become genuinely happier and have a newfound respect for life.

We live in a fast-paced world where rest and relaxation are the last things on our to-do lists. Well, it’s time to move it closer to the top. Overworking yourself does nothing but destroy your positive mindset. Even if you take 10 minutes a day to do a peaceful meditation or color a page in your adult coloring book, the break from reality will do you good. Most important: get a full night’s sleep. Running on less than eight hours of sleep won’t do you any good. Many phones have a bedtime app that allows you to set reminders to get ready for bed and an alarm to wake you up at the same time each day. Creating a routine will help you feel more energized and organized when starting each day.

The hardest thing I learned to do was say “no”. It can be tempting to want to please everyone, but that typically comes at the expense of your mental health. Sure it’s a good thing to help out when someone is in need, but if it disrupts your relaxation or sleep time, it might be best to say no. Others may be surprised at you turning down your request, but they’ll come to understand that it is for your own well-being.

This is the year to start changing your mind for the better. We’ve become so accustomed to our technology-driven-world that we forget to take time for ourselves. Start small and make an effort to relax for five minutes each day. Over time, you’ll be grateful for the change in your mindset and the positive impact it will have in your daily life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
students
Sophia Palmerine

Dear High School Friend Group,

My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

847
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.

As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo

Keep Reading...Show less
class
Odyssey

College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.

Keep Reading...Show less
two women enjoying confetti

Summer: a time (usually) free from school work and a time to relax with your friends and family. Maybe you go on a vacation or maybe you work all summer, but the time off really does help. When you're in college you become super close with so many people it's hard to think that you won't see many of them for three months. But, then you get that text saying, "Hey, clear your schedule next weekend, I'm coming up" and you begin to flip out. Here are the emotions you go through as your best friend makes her trip to your house.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments