NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS = 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 (Post 137)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14
Post 137
New Year’s Resolutions / Mental Health / Self-Care
Had we all perfect brains, we shouldn’t have to make resolutions every new year.
The beauty of human life consists in the fact that,
as we review our last New Year’s resolutions,
we find we have fulfilled one-third of them,
left unfilled another third,
and can’t remember what the other third was.-Lin Youtang
How many times have you thought and heard others saying, 2019 was so long ago and 2020 seems non-existent ? Definitely, last year was like none other. To say the least, schedules got off-track, outings became limited, and routine habits took on unthought-of-before new dimensions. At the end of this spectrum, grave outcomes have come (and sadly continue): death, debilitating effects on the body and mind, unemployment, the permanent closings of enterprises, and other untold repercussions from a worldwide pandemic lead by a virus that keeps on mutating. In fact, looking forward into 2021, mental health continues to be one of the most important and relevant topics for ourselves and our loved ones, especially given these difficult times. Certainly, disruption is a main character in COVID-19’s playbook.
Within a periodic newsletter from my home insurance agent, an article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( https://www.cdc.gov ) served as a reminder to guard our mental health with healthy self-care during unbelievably stressful times. Although some of the suggestions may not work for us, I thought they served as “permission slips” to think how, perhaps, even small changes and endeavors could enhance our personal perspectives in the face of such troubled times.
“ FIVE TIPS FROM THE CDC that help with coping with stress, improving mental health and working on self-care:
· Let someone know if you need help – Asking for help is okay. This past year was stressful for everyone, so know that you are not alone if you feel stressed, anxious or scared. Going into the new year with a fresh outlook and knowing there are people out there who can help you can help take some of the anxiety away.
· Focus on taking care of your emotional health – This past year has taken an emotional toll on many individuals. Emotional health is related to your whole self. Try to start taking it day –by day instead of month by month. Take breaks throughout your day. Read a book, take up a hobby or just meditate for 10 minutes to focus on your emotional health. If you find yourself having increased feelings of anxiousness or grief and are unable to carry out normal activities and responsibilities, seek a professional’s help.
· Put your phone down and turn off your television – You may have found the screen time report on your phone has increased significantly in the past year. Or maybe while working from home you have the news on your television in the background. Start off 2021 by putting your phone down and turning off your TV. Staying informed about the world is important but having it in your face 24/7 may be causing you unwanted stress. Try to focus on decreasing your screen time and increasing the time you spend doing something you love.
· Connect with your family, friends and community – Due to the worldwide pandemic, there have been many social distancing guidelines and quarantine requirements in place. While you cannot spend time together with family and friends, that does not mean you can’t find other ways to communicate with those you love. Create a weekly or bi-weekly virtual call with family and friends. Reach out to an old friend from high school or college on social media. Also, this year may be a good time to help your community. Many individuals and families need hope, food and love. Research organizations in your community that you can help and give back to during this difficult time.
· Take the time to care for your body – A huge component of mental health can relate to physical health, as well. If you feel sluggish, over-relaxed or slow you may start seeing a decline in your mental health. Focusing on these self-care tips for mental health can bring energy back into your life that you may have been missing out on.
· Start taking an hour out of your week to do a beginner's yoga class online.
· Set-up an at-home gym—even if it is in your living room. A stationary bike, treadmill, weights or even a simple jump rope can help motivate you on exhausting that built up energy that everyone has throughout the day.
· … get some crisp, fresh air and take a walk outside.
· Research local exercise establishment to see if they offer online or social distanced classes.
There are many ways in which you can have good mental health, but you must take the time to find the ideal way for you. The CDC also offers advice on coping with stress during a pandemic on its website. So, begin your new year with a focus on these mental health tips, and you may start seeing positive effects on your daily life.
*The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only.
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Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
855-926-0761
For more information on the IGCCB Clergy/Lay Minister Certification visit:
From IGCCB’s Resources for Coping with COVID 19:
https://personcenteredtech.com/tmh/clients (Online therapy preparation for clients)
https://gambling.easywebinar.live/replay (Jody Bechtold telehealth webinar)
https://youtu.be/dYUEjIFtT8E (Jody Bechtold telehealth webinar)
For more information on gambling disorder and recovery issues, go to:
www.indianaproblemgambling.org