Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Dr. Leonard A. Lado, MD, ABPN
New Year’s resolutions are a big part of US culture. Nearly half of us set goals at the start of every new year. However, a recent study has shown that less than half of us keep those resolutions for even as long as six months.1 So, what can we do to be in the other half? How can we make resolutions and stick to them?
One thing we need to do is keep our resolutions realistic. When setting resolutions, it is important to think about what is important to you and what you can realistically achieve. By making resolutions that are attainable, you are more likely to keep working toward achieving them instead of giving up.
This applies to any type of resolution, but especially to resolutions about your mental health. Improving your mental health should always be a priority and it takes daily work. Taking small steps toward better mental health will help you in every aspect of your life.
Small steps toward improved mental health
1.Make self-care a priority. Make a list of activities that you could do daily, weekly, or monthly that make you happy. Maybe a daily walk would be helpful, an hour or two a week to relax and watch your favorite series, or a night out with friends once a month. Set goals that are reasonable. If your life is hectic and sitting in front of the tv every day isn’t possible, don’t set that as a goal. If you’d like to go to the gym daily, but it isn’t possible, maybe shooting for 3 times a week would be better.
2. Make sleep a priority. Sleep and mental health are connected. If you are not getting enough quality sleep, take steps toward improving that very important issue. Between 65 and 90 percent of people suffering from major depression have sleep problems. The two issues go hand in hand. Make sleep a priority.
3. Create a new morning routine. Start your day by taking your thoughts under control. Spend time in prayer or meditation. Create a mantra that you repeat.
Say words of affirmation to yourself in the mirror. Practice optimism. Accomplish one small thing: make your bed.
4. Avoid watching or reading too much news. Politics, climate change, and a steady stream of bad news can affect your outlook on the world. While it is important to be aware of what is happening in the world, being connected to 24/7 news can add stress to your life. Limit the time you spend looking at these things and maybe shift your focus to learning something new or starting a new hobby.
5. Find a fitness routine that works for you. Being active is simple way to improve your mental health. Do an activity that you enjoy. Do you hate running? Do something different. Don’t force yourself to do something you absolutely loathe. Find something you do enjoy and stick with it.
6. Avoid the winter blues by staying socially connected. When the holiday bills start to roll in and the long nights make you want to stay home this can have a negative impact on your mental health. Look for ways to get out and be among others. You could join a book club or volunteer at a soup kitchen in your city. Giving back is always a boost to one’s mental health!
By following some of these tips, we hope you can walk into 2023 a healthier and happier person.
At Lado Healing Institute, you can find a team of medical professionals dedicated to the best possible patient care. Dr. Leonard A. Lado, MD, is the Founder and Medical Director of Lado Healing Institute is a board-certified Psychiatrist serving the population of Marco Island, Fort Myers, Naples, and Southwest Florida, since 2002. He and his team would be honored to help you and your loved one as you walk the difficult road of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Leonard Lado, MD, is partners with multiple nursing homes in Florida. Call our office to see if he is a partner with the facility your loved one resides to be evaluated at 239.948.4328. Their website is also filled with information about the services they offer and about their team of professionals. Visit their page at www.ladohealingpeople.com or email them for information at email@ladomd.com.
Leonard A. Lado, MD, ABPN
9410 Fountain Medical Ct., Suite 200
Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
239-948-4325
www.Ladomd.com
1. Kapil, R. (2020) Realistic new year’s resolutions for your mental health, Mental Health First Aid. Available at: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/01/realistic-new-years-resolutions-for-your-mental-health/
