The New Year offers many renewed hope and inspiration for continuous self-improvement. Although many people make resolutions for change in the New Year, so few seem to mention one of the most important aspects of a person’s health: their mental health. The importance of mental health has declined, but study after study continues to show a link between a person’s mental and physical health. So, how can we take better care of our mental health? Here are some scientifically backed tips to improve your mental health in the New Year!

One of the most effective tools to improve your mental health is to indulge in self-care. According to the NIH, “Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery.” So, what is self-care? Self-care can be many things depending on what you enjoy, from preparing your favorite foods to just taking a walk around the park. During the hectic times that we live in, self-care can be a lifesaver and can improve your quality of life.

Another wonderful way to improve your mental health is to indulge in mindfulness. UCLA Health states, “Research in mindfulness has identified a wide range of benefits in different areas of psychological health, such as helping to decrease anxiety, depression, rumination, and emotional reactivity.” Mindfulness is a very accessible tool to combat stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings. It can be as simple as taking deep breaths and being present in the moment. Mindfulness is a powerful tool for improving your mental health, yet also very accessible, making it essential for sustaining good mental health.

Mental health is complicated, and everyone is in a different situation and has different experiences. Mental health is not always easy to maintain. Regardless, I hope the tips above offer some help in the struggle to maintain your mental health. Always remember that you are worthy of respect and that there are people who can help you and support you in your journey to improve or maintain your mental health.