2020 is just around the corner, meaning that it’s time for the “New Year, New Me” mantra to engulf all of social media. At Preferred Research Partners, we don’t think you need to become a whole new person in the new decade; however, we do think the new year is a great time to make strides towards a healthier life.

At the beginning of each year, people like to start making healthy changes to their lifestyle by eating healthier, joining a gym, and cutting down on unhealthy habits like drinking or smoking. These changes are commendable, but many people don’t realize that becoming physically healthy is incredibly difficult if you aren’t mentally healthy first.

Make 2020 your healthiest year yet by following these mental health tips and tricks!

• Make Time For Activities That Provide Meaning: People who spend their time doing things with a positive meaning are much likely to be happier. This could have a positive meaning in your life, like getting coffee with a friend, going to the gym, or even something as simple as taking a bath. This activity could also create a positive impact in somebody else’s life through volunteer opportunities and charitable contributions. If you try to do one meaningful thing a day – big or small – you will start to feel more calm, happy, and purposeful in no time.
• Cut Down on Screen Time: For many people, it’s impossible to cut electronics out of their life completely. We rely on these devices to help us work, learn, and communicate. That being said, we can sometimes get overwhelmed by the constant stream of notifications, and we can become wrapped up in what everybody else is doing on social media. Take some time away from your devices each day to let yourself calm down, and remind yourself not to compare your life to what you see of others’ on social media – don’t forget, nobody posts the bad days.
• Surround Yourself With Supportive People: The people you choose to spend your time with have a huge impact on your mental health. If you have certain friends that make you feel better than others, prioritize time with those friends. You may also find it beneficial to set concrete expectations and boundaries with friends that do not support you in the way that you need them to.
• Set Realistic Goals: Creating achievable goals is a great way to keep yourself motivated and feeling positive. If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, you can’t expect to lose ten pounds a week. Instead, consider trying to lose 5 or 10 pounds a month – it’s achievable, attainable, and you’ll still lose more than 60 pounds in the year!
• Be Honest with Yourself and Get Help When You Need It: Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. If you’re feeling extra down, depressed, stressed, or helpless, it is important to recognize that you may need professional mental health counseling.

Preferred Research Partners wishes you a healthy, happy 2020. To learn more about us, or to enroll in a study, please fill out your information here.