For many people, the beginning of a new year is a time of renewal. Resolutions fill social media feeds, one-on-one conversations, time with friends and family, you name it. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to better oneself, oftentimes the focus is on physical rather than mental health. I hope as you read this article, you discover the need to prioritize your mental health this year, and find ways to begin.
Why should I prioritize mental health?
For one thing, neglecting your mental health can lead to burnout. Physical signs of burnout include exhaustion, weakened immune system, frequent headaches, muscle aches, and changes in appetite and/or sleep habits. Emotional signs include a sense of failure, self-doubt, helplessness, low motivation, cynicism, detachment, feeling alone, and decreased satisfaction and/or sense of accomplishment. Behavioral signs include procrastination, taking frustrations out on others, withdrawing from responsibilities and/or loved ones, skipping work, coming in late and leaving early, and using food, drugs, and/or alcohol to cope. Needless to say, we cannot function well unless we take care of ourselves.
Secondly, The Lord commands us to rest for our own good. Jesus gives us perfect examples of what it looks like to prioritize mental health. He often took time away from people in order to become closer to God and for mental restoration. Refer to Luke 5:16. The God of the Universe wants you to draw close to Him and to experience mental restoration.
How do I make my mental health a priority?
Making your mental health a priority takes time and practice. For me, I used to thrive in overworking myself. As you can imagine, that quickly caught up with me. I began getting irritable with my loved ones, dreaded doing tasks I used to love, and was constantly exhausted. It wasn’t until I made my own mental health a priority that I could love and serve others fully.
One obstacle many people face is time. However, taking time for yourself doesn’t have to be lengthy. Setting a timer can be helpful as you begin. I encourage you to carve 5 to 10 minutes out of your day for self-care, and work your way up to longer periods of time. Additionally, placing a designated time on your calendar for self-care can be a great way to hold yourself accountable.
Another obstacle is knowing what to do during that time. I get it! Starting out, I would be so bored that I couldn’t even enjoy time taken for myself. I suggest finding a short guided meditation to begin. For me, guided meditations keep my mind from wandering and help me stay in the present moment. Other things you can do include going for a walk, journaling, and praying.
Lastly, it is common to have feelings of guilt and shame emerge when taking time for self-care. While it might seem selfish to take time for ourselves, it is actually quite the opposite. We cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot wholeheartedly give to others mentally, Spiritually, emotionally, nor physically if we are not our best selves. Be gentle with yourself if you notice these thoughts come up, and remember Jesus’ examples of prioritizing mental health.
I hope you find permission and motivation to make your mental health a priority this year. If you feel burned out, know there is a way out. We at Restore Counseling Services want to help you become your best, authentic self.
By Allison Griffin, Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor