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Best mental health habits this year – A therapist’s guide
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.
As we enter the new year, it’s the perfect time to renew our mental health habits and make this year our best! Just like we care for our physical health, our emotional well-being also deserves attention and focus. Let’s refresh our mindset and make some positive changes to help us feel steady, strong, and ready to take on whatever life throws our way. This therapist-approved guide outlines simple and effective mental health practices that can impact how we feel, think, and thrive.
10 mental health habits
Investing in your mental health is one of the most important steps toward a fulfilling and balanced life. Here are some habits to help you prioritise your mental well-being:
- Practice gratitude: Start or end your day by acknowledging three things you are thankful for. This simple activity can redirect your attention towards positive experiences and elevate your mood.
- Maintain physical activity: Regular physical exercise, such as walking, yoga, or strength training, releases endorphins, diminishes stress levels, and enhances mental clarity. Aiming for a minimum of 30 minutes of activity daily is highly beneficial.
- Foster connections with others: Cultivating and sustaining healthy relationships requires proactive engagement with friends, family, or support groups. Consistent social interactions help ease feelings of loneliness and provide essential emotional support.
- Establish boundaries: Learning to refuse requests and safeguard your time and energy is important. Setting boundaries is an effective strategy for preventing burnout and allocating time for self-care.
- Restrict screen time: Regularly stepping away from screens is necessary to prevent information overload. Engaging in a digital detox can improve focus and encourage relaxation.
- Seek professional assistance: If you experience challenges with your mental health, it is prudent to consult a therapist or counsellor. Hola Health provides convenient telehealth GP consultations to facilitate your mental health journey.
- Emphasise nutrition: Consume a balanced diet that includes an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, all recognised for their benefits to cognitive health.
- Prioritise sleep: Establishing a consistent sleep routine and developing a calming pre-sleep regimen are essential for achieving restorative sleep.
- Participate in mindfulness or meditation: Allocate time for mindfulness practices or meditation, as these activities reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
- Set attainable goals: Divide larger tasks into smaller, manageable components and acknowledge minor achievements to sustain motivation.
Authors
Editorial staff
The Hola Health Editorial Team consists of experienced health writers who work alongside AHPRA-registered practitioners to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based, and medically reviewed healthcare information.
Medically reviewed by
Amira Shah
Master’s in Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapist & Counsellor
8+ Years of Experience
Amira Shah is a trauma-informed psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in supporting women through complex mental health challenges. She holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and has worked extensively at a women’s centre, offering therapy to survivors of physical abuse, sexual assault, PTSD, and human trafficking. Amy owns her practice, Empathetic Counselling & Psychotherapy (ECP), and is committed to continuing her support for women.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health.
Note: At Hola Health, we're committed to offering trustworthy, accurate and up-to-date health information. Our Editorial Process entails thorough research, fact- checking, and medical review by doctors in diverse health fields, including medical practitioners, doctors, and psychotherapists based in Australia. We take guidance from qualified Australian doctors. We prioritise primary sources and avoid tertiary references wherever possible.
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