New year’s resolutions are a tradition that some people follow to mark the start of the new year as a way to reflect and make changes that will help them become their best versions. While new year’s resolutions may include common goals such as exercising more, losing weight, getting organized, or being more financially responsible, physical or financial wellbeing is not the only resolutions to consider. Starting off the year with a healthy mindset and setting resolutions for your mental health are just as important.

If you are one of the individuals who sets new year’s resolutions, or an individual who plans to start this year, here are five new year’s resolutions for your mental health to help you start 2022 off right:

Make time for self-care.

Your physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand. There are many positive changes that you can make to improve physical wellbeing that will also enhance your psychological wellbeing. Commit to making time in your daily routine for activities that help you rest, recharge, and improve your overall wellbeing.

Make sleep a priority.

One of the most effective ways to implement healthy habits in your routine is by forming healthy sleep habits and making sleep a priority. Not only does good sleep improve your physical wellbeing, it helps with your emotional and mental wellbeing too! Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly can be great ways to prioritize good sleep habits in your life.

Limit your screen time and consider taking a break from social media.

There is no doubt that technology and social media has many great perks; however, spending too much time on your phone, tablet, or computer can impact the quality of your sleep, relationships, life satisfaction, mood, and overall wellbeing. Be cautious of the time spent online and the impact it has on your mental health by limiting the time spent online or taking a social media break.  

Be kind to yourself and practice self-acceptance.

We tend to be harshest to ourselves, but keep in mind that all good things begin from within. A positive outlook on ourselves is a key to welcoming more positivity into our lives. Rather than only setting resolutions to change attributes of yourself (e.g., weight or appearance), use 2022 as an opportunity to practice self-acceptance and self-love. Remind yourself daily that perfectionism is aspirational and as a human, you will make mistakes, and that is okay. What is important is how we move forward through those situations in which errors have occurred.

Learn more about mental health and do not be afraid to ask for help.

We can all benefit from speaking to a mental health professional, such as a therapist, and particularly as we enter the third year of the pandemic, we may need it now more than ever. Be sure to take the time that you need and do not shy away from asking for help. UTHealth Student Health and Counseling Services are here to help! We are available for in-person and telehealth therapy sessions Mondays through Fridays, from 8 AM to 5 PM by calling 713-500-5171 to schedule an appointment. Additional resources for help include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741), and the I-M-UT Crisis Hotline (713-500-IMUT), which are all available 24/7.