2022: New year, happier you
At this time of year, the phrase “new year, new me” gets bandied around quite a bit, whether it’s coming from friends and family, or in captions written by smug influencers on your social media timeline.
It generates ideas of changing your act, bettering yourself or even becoming a completely different person altogether. Quite frankly, it is a tad dramatic - but more importantly, it can be unsustainable.
This year, you don’t need to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle or become a “new you”, you can just focus on one simple, yet vitally important, aspect of your life: your day-to-day happiness.
Happiness should be a key aspect of your existence, but to fully achieve it, you need to be in the right place mentally. That’s right - it’s time to talk about mental health.
We all have it, we all need to take care of it, but sadly far too many of us don’t. Like our bodies, it needs exercise and attention to be at its best. But instead of giving our mental wellbeing that support, we often neglect it, be it due to lack of education, the stigma or downright laziness.
Well we’re here to tell you that doesn’t have to be the case. We all have the power to make a difference. We all have the power to take care of our brilliant brains. We all have the power to make 2022 a happier year. In short, we are powerful.
Admittedly, it’s not as easy as just being happier or improving your mental health. This is why we’ve put together a few tips for you if you are searching for better ways to look after your mental health moving forward.
Talk to people
Sometimes sharing how you’re feeling with others can be scary, but it really can help lift any weight that you’re carrying off your shoulders. As the old adage goes: “a problem shared is a problem halved.”
Get moving
It is scientifically proven that exercise improves your mood by releasing dopamine in your brain, a chemical that literally makes you feel happier. We’re not saying you have to start running a marathon every day to put a smile on your face; even a small amount of movement can make a big difference.
Find a hobby
Believe it or not, our brains love to be challenged. Learning a new skill or hobby is a great way to distract your mind from the pressures and stresses of life. And you never know, you might even discover a new passion or hidden talent.
Go outside
Our world is full of an abundance of wonder and beauty, and we’re lucky to be in it. In fact, the odds of us being here today are almost infinitesimal, so it is our duty to make the most of it. Get out there and live!
Give to others
Sometimes nothing feels better than helping others less fortunate than yourself. Why not try volunteering at a local charity? Or if that’s too much of a commitment, you can always donate to a vast range of causes via the Toucan app.
Of course there are numerous ways to help you improve your mental health, and it will differ dramatically from person to person. But hopefully taking the last five minutes to read this piece has helped you in one way or another, even if only a small amount. At the end of the day, we just want you to know that you don’t need to become a “new you” in 2022 - just be yourself. We think you’re pretty great already.
