It goes without saying that 2022 was definitely a chaotic and turbulent year with the COVID-19 pandemic still not a thing of the past, as well as the current economic turmoil in the form of the cost-of-living crisis.
We are hoping 2023 provides a better time for us all in terms of finance, health, and of course, mental wellbeing.
The importance of mental wellbeing
If mental health and mental wellbeing were not important before, they certainly are now, especially as the pandemic lockdowns highlighted just how crucial maintaining a healthy mental state was. In fact, studies have shown that people’s mental health worsened during the COVID-19 lockdowns, in particular increased depression and anxiety, and the aftermath is still being felt today.
Not only are the general public becoming increasingly aware and acknowledging the importance of mental wellbeing, but institutions such as workplaces and schools are also recognising its significance.
Mental health has links to productivity, motivation, and happiness, meaning that businesses and schools in particular would benefit from improved mental wellbeing as it can result in better worker/student performance.
So, what can you do to boost your mental wellbeing for the upcoming year?
New Year resolutions to improve your mental wellbeing
It can be easy to dismiss or overlook our own needs and feelings in favour of others’ needs, but this is a mindset that we should not be bringing into 2023. Instead, we should aim to focus on our own wellbeing and how we can improve ourselves for our own benefit, and that means de-stigmatising mental health.
The more open and comfortable we are about mental health, the more we are able to freely discuss and talk about it with others in a safe and healthy manner that does not negatively impact our own mental wellbeing. For your New Year’s resolutions, you may want to consider the following when it comes to improving your mental wellbeing:
- Reducing social media usage
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Although the action of scrolling through Instagram feeds and liking posts is familiar and a part of our everyday lives, social media can actually be quite harmful to our mental health. Research has discovered that the fear of missing out (FOMO) is a prominent cause of anxiety and reliance on social media, showing how social media can have a negative effect on mental wellbeing simply because we want to stay in the loop.
To combat this, it would be a good idea to reduce the time you spend on social media in the new year. For example, most modern smartphones have the ability to set an app timer so you can restrict the time you spend on social media apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. Or you can simply download an app that can block or hide apps during certain times of the day.
- Acknowledging physical wellbeing
Your physical wellbeing is just as important as your mental wellbeing as they are directly linked to each other. As a New Year’s resolution, you should focus on also improving your physical state by exercising more and eating healthier. In practising healthy living, your mental wellbeing is instantly given a boost as exercise and even meditation can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Stick to an exercise plan that you can commit to – don’t sign up for a gym membership if your bank account and free time do not allow you to fully invest in attending the gym frequently. Home workouts and exercise videos on YouTube are also a great way to exercise in the comfort of your own home if you aren’t enthusiastic about going to the gym.
- Implementing a self-care routine
Implementing a self-care routine is actually easier than it may seem – for some people, this is simply their usual nightly routine, and for others it is a bi-weekly routine. Either way, setting time aside for self-care is essential to improving your mental health. This can be in the form of doing a hobby or activity that you enjoy without interruption, or simply pampering yourself with a bubble bath and a bottle of champagne.
- Attending therapy
If you have the monetary funds to do so, it may be worthwhile finding a suitable therapist and attending therapy sessions. Therapy is an excellent way for you to speak about your problems to a professional who can listen and offer advice, helping you understand why you may feel and think the way that you do.
If you are a licensed therapist reading this, you may benefit from looking at therapy rooms to rent in London, especially if you have clients situated around central London.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.