As we approach the end of another year, it’s a good time to start thinking about how you and your family can improve your mental health in the year ahead. Prioritize your mental health and explore activities and practices that may work for each individual in your house. The following tips can help you get started:
- Take stock of your current mental health. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are the things that you’re struggling with? Once you have a better understanding of your current mental state, you can start to develop a plan for improvement.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to change everything about your mental health overnight. Start by setting small, achievable goals that you can build on over time. For example, you might start by setting a goal to exercise for 30 minutes three times a week.
- Make changes to your lifestyle. There are many things you can do to improve your mental health through lifestyle changes. These include eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. You may also want to consider reducing your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Connect with others. Social support is an important part of good mental health. Make sure you have people in your life who you can talk to and who care about you. These could be friends, family, or a therapist.
- Seek professional help if needed. If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with the support and guidance you need to improve your mental health.
The “Good Mental Health Week” resources available at Erika’s Lighthouse can help you get started on your journey to better mental health. The activity includes a week planner with a variety of activities that you and your family can try during a whole week to focus on your mental health. After completing the week of good mental health, meet as a family and discuss which of the activities were enjoyed the most, or which should be kept to practice consistently in the home. Make a plan to implement this during the next year!
Remember, prioritizing your mental health is very important. If you are a parent or caregiver, know that modeling good mental health practices creates a positive impact on how your children will take care of their mental health.
