New Year’s Tips For Getting Healthy
By Emily Becker-Weidman, Ph.D.
Happy New Year! Here are some tips to help you start the new year off on the right foot.
1. Prioritize mental health. One way to do this is to focus on self-awareness and being as present as possible so you’re able to check in with yourself. Pay attention to what you’re feeling, thinking and experiencing physically.
2. Kick an unhealthy habit. Now is a good time to aim to improve your life by managing stress in a healthier way. One successful way to eliminate unhealthy coping mechanisms is by replacing them with healthier ones. Another technique is to gradually reduce the behavior you wish to change. Cut down on the number of cigarettes or alcoholic drinks you have by one or two per day or week—and continue each week until you eliminate the habit.
3. Repair a strained relationship. The new year marks a fresh beginning; this might be a good time to reach out to a friend or family member with whom you have a strained relationship or have fallen out of touch with. Make an effort to spend more virtual time with friends and family.
4. Learn a new hobby. Whether it’s a big project like learning a musical instrument or a less intense one like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, doing something new can do wonders for your mental health.
