New Year’s Mental Health Resolutions for 2022

Traditionally the start of the new year is a time for adjustments and goal setting. We reflect on what we didn’t like about the previous year and optimistically make plans for bettering ourselves for the next. This time is ideal for incorporating these new year’s resolutions into one’s personal life. Most people focus on their physical health but rarely make concrete plans to aid their mental health. The past few years have been extra stressful for everyone. COVID challenges at work, school, and home have only complicated the already chaotic world we live in. This is a great time for new year’s mental health resolutions and to reassess how we think about our personal mental health and put together some resolutions that will enable us to stay happy and productive through these trying times.

Some Mental Health Resolutions to Help You Through 2022

  1. Get More Sleep – It is easy to say but not as easy to do. Sleep is critical for your brain to catalog long-term memories and refresh so many of the chemicals that help us operate normally. Some things to help get some better sleep include keeping electronics out of the bedroom (yes, that includes phones), keeping a consistent bedtime routine, and allowing yourself enough time to get however much sleep you need. 
  2. Take a Break From Social Media – Social media can be a fun distraction during busy days but it can become problematic the more we use it. From self-criticism and comparing ourselves to others, to ever-changing doomsday style news reports, taking regular breaks from social media accounts, or even setting daily screentime limits can help break the cycle.
  3. Live in the Moment – Overthinking past interactions and worrying about the future rob us of our ability to enjoy the present. We shouldn’t forget the past by any means but we can use it as a guide to make better decisions going forward. Additionally, we can use the past to better plan for the future and alleviate some of the anxiety about what might happen. 
  4. Practice Compassion/Empathy – Everyone is stressed out these days which makes many environments difficult to navigate or even downright toxic. What won’t help is for us to take out our anger and frustration on others who are likely in similar situations. 
  5. Avoid Substances – Dry January is a popular topic this time of year. For some people, going cold turkey is the best option, and for others, it is gradually weaning ourselves off it. Either way, the most effective approach is to start a plan and hold yourself accountable. 

Not all new year resolutions are doomed for failure. Your new year’s mental health resolutions for 2022 can be the most impactful ones yet! We have the ability to make sizeable amounts of change in the world but first, we need to make small changes within ourselves. Check out our higher-level guide to making resolutions here. Trails Carolina supports the positive mental and physical health for the entire family. Our wilderness program specifically works with kids in their pivotal teenage years in establishing healthy habits, skills, and mental health efficacy. Learn more about our program here and how Trails Carolina Wilderness Therapy can help you and your family.

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Jeremy Whitworth

As Executive Director at Trails Carolina, a leading wilderness therapy program for youth and teens, I oversee operations and collaborate with our leadership team. Since 2022, I've also hosted the Common Ground Podcast for parents: https://trailscarolina.com/common-ground-podcast/ With a background in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, I've managed adventure-based therapeutic programs across the US and Canada. My experiences in competitive athletics and adventure sports have honed my leadership, risk assessment, and decision-making skills, which I apply to running a successful business like Trails Carolina.

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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.

Margot Lowman August 2022

Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.

Winnifred Wilson July 2022

 

Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.

Kristin Brace June 2022

 

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