As we hit the middle of February, we often find ourselves reflecting on the resolutions we set at the start of the New Year. If you're feeling like your initial enthusiasm has begun to wear off or you didn't set any goals, it’s not too late to define or refine your intentions for better mental health. Although we are still in the wintry, hibernation months, it is an ideal time to establish realistic and sustainable mental health goals that can truly enhance your well-being throughout the rest of the year.
The Importance of Mental Health Goals
Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, but in recent years, it has received less attention in our planning. Setting goals for your mental health can lead to improved mood, better resilience, stronger relationships and can also enhance your overall enjoyment of life.
How to Set Realistic Mental Health Goals
Reflect on what you currently need
Start by understanding how your mental health needs to improve. Do you need to focus on stress reduction, managing anxiety, enhancing relationships, or perhaps embracing a positive mindset? Pinpointing your needs will help you set more personalized and achievable goals.
Get specific
Try not to use vague goals like "I want to feel better" or "I want to be happier." Instead, be specific, if your aim is to reduce stress, a specific goal could be, “I will practice yoga twice a week for 30 minutes,” or “I will dedicate 15 minutes each evening to meditation.”
Start Small
If you are new to practicing self-care, don’t overwhelm yourself with a goal that’s too ambitious. Start with small, manageable commitments that you can slowly build on as they become habitual.
Create steps to achieving your goal
Large goals can be daunting and lead to quick burnout or frustration. Break them into smaller, actionable steps instead. For example, if improving emotional regulation is your goal, start with identifying your triggers, then learn coping strategies, and gradually add these strategies into various parts of your life.
Be ready for the challenges
Life isn’t easy, think about what may get in the way of your progress and think about ways to address these challenges. If past attempts at a goal like quitting smoking have failed due to stress, plan ways to manage your stress before it happens.
Write about it
Documenting your journey can help you see your progress, understand your setbacks, and maintain motivation. A journal is also a great tool for self-reflection and emotional expression.
Get support
Support can come in the form of friends, family, or mental health professionals and can greatly enhance your ability to meet your goals. Consider joining a support group where you can share experiences and strategies with others facing similar challenges.
8. Regularly review and adjust your goals
As the year progresses, so will your needs and circumstances which means your goals will evolve too. Regularly reviewing your goals can help them to remain relevant and achievable.
9. Celebrate your wins
Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small. This could be as simple as acknowledging your effort to stick with meditation sessions or keeping stress at bay.
10. Visualize the Outcomes
Keeping a vision board or a list of the benefits of your goals visible in front of you will help to remind you of why you set these goals in the first place.
It's never too late to start or refine your goals. Let this be the year you take control of your mental health and thrive.