KEY POINTS:
Rather than the usual New Year's resolutions that seek to go easier on the liver or lungs, the Mental Health Foundation wants people to spare a thought for their minds and moods next year.
"[The] new year is traditionally a time to think about how to make our lives happier and more fulfilling, but it can be difficult to know where to start," said foundation chief executive Judi Clements.
But a British study has come up with five ways to feel better:
Connect: Develop your relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours as these connections support you and enrich your life.
Be active: Physical activity helps you to feel good so find something that you enjoy and suits your ability.
Take notice: Be aware of the world around you and see the beauty in everyday and unusual things. Reflecting on them helps you appreciate what matters to you.
Learn: Try something new or rediscover an old interest, or take on a new responsibility or challenge. Learning makes you more confident and can be fun.
Give: Do something for a friend or stranger and see yourself and your happiness as linked to the wider community.
The foundation accepted that trying to take on all five feel-good activities could be a source of anxiety for some, and suggested starting with a few, easily achievable goals such as investing time in a particular friendship, going for a walk, volunteering, or taking a cooking class.
Around the time you've achieved your goals and are feeling tip-top you will likely be due back at the office. The foundation has compiled its own list of ways to make that transition less traumatic:
Make your first week a short one: it's a good way to keep positive and ease yourself into work.
Mess will depress, tidy it up: a disorganised workspace can give a feeling of back-to-work drudgery and the first days back are a good time to clear out clutter. Add a personal touch to your space with new photos or other items.
Start a personal project: rather than slipping back into an old routine, give yourself fresh motivation and focus by starting a new project, either work or non-work, that you can devote your creative energies to.
Move to improve your mood: physical activity helps mental health, combating depression and anxiety.
Pay attention to your diet: The foundation said it was common for people to feel "a bit low" when cooped up again after the holidays, but if symptoms persisted ... see your doctor.
- NZPA
