Draven Jackson
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As a new year rolls in, it’s once again time to make a list of resolutions, check it twice, and try to see how many of them will stick and stay around over the next 12 months. Resolutions are hard because there’s so much pressure to achieve them, and what may have seemed possible during a week of vacation time becomes ten times harder once work starts again.

Whatever your goals for the year might look like, consider adding a few positive resolutions to your list that might help you improve your mental and emotional health in 2024. For many people I know, 2023 was a difficult year with a lot of twists and turns, so let’s make this year about growing more comfortable in both our minds and our bodies.

I will slow down.

One of the first positive resolutions you should make for yourself in 2024 is to slow down. I feel like myself and many people around me have spent the last year or two rushing and pushing forward to make up for the time lost during the pandemic. However, I’ve realized that moving at 100 miles per hour and giving 120% to everything only makes me feel more anxious and burnt out. I don’t have time to enjoy the good parts of my life because I’m always running towards or waiting for the next thing.

It’s time to make 2024 the year of slowing down and enjoying things. Instead of trying to fill every day with something new, simply make sure that the experiences you have this year are meaningful and fulfilling. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey while you’re heading to your next destination.

I will try to be kinder and more forgiving towards myself.

When it comes to positive resolutions for improving my mental health, the one that I have made is to be kinder to myself this year. No one is as much a critic of what you do as you are, and sometimes you only hinder your own growth when you pick yourself apart. One thing I want to keep in mind this year is that if I would forgive my friends for simple mistakes, I should forgive myself for those same errors.

No one is perfect, no matter how much we feel like we need to be, so try and forgive yourself when you fail at being “perfect.” This year is the year of embracing your imperfections and treating yourself with the same grace and kindness you would show to others.

I will not limit my own happiness.

If we’re talking about positive resolutions to improve your mental health this year, then I recommend making a promise to yourself that you won’t limit your own happiness. Don’t get in the way of the things you love just because they may seem silly, unnecessary, or “cringey” to others. Cringe culture is dead and there’s no reason to spend your life worrying about whether the things that bring you joy are popular enough to be cool to everyone else.

I say this as a K-Pop and anime-loving adult who spends more money on merch and concerts than I do on probably any other aspect of my life: if it brings you joy, then don’t worry about whether or not someone else likes it. This is the perfect year to chase your happiness and learn to appreciate that joy is a beautiful and fleeting thing that must be appreciated any time you can find it.

I will try and look at things from a new perspective.

I am known for being slightly pessimistic at times – my anxiety tends to gravitate towards “worst case” scenarios – so one of the positive resolutions I am making for myself this year is to try and look at things from a new perspective. Instead of panicking about negative “what if”s, I want to start trying to find new ways to spin an obstacle into a chance for growth and change.

Life is full of struggles and there is always room to think negatively about a difficult situation. Instead of focusing on those negatives and making yourself more stressed and anxious, remind yourself of the sunshine hiding behind every raincloud. What can you learn from this experience to better yourself in the future? And how might this situation actually be a benefit to you in the long run?

I will surround myself with people who treat me well.

2024 is a great year for change and growth, and making one of your positive resolutions to surround yourself with people who treat you kindly will only help make this year even better. Improving your mental health isn’t just about changing your outlook on life and giving yourself daily affirmations (although these habits are definitely helpful) – it’s also about improving the overall quality of your life, which starts with the people around you.

If you are surrounded by negativity, you will inevitably feed on that bad energy. People who don’t care for and support you the way you deserve will only hinder your future growth. Make sure one of your goals for this year is to look for positive influences in your life who encourage and support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being and who want to see you achieve your true potential.

I will look after my emotional, mental, and physical health.

Your physical health is important, which is why so many New Year’s goals are centered around weight loss and healthy eating. However, your emotional and mental health are just as important, and neglecting them can make it difficult to achieve your physical health goals. Make sure that when you’re looking after your body, you take the time to care for your mind and heart as well.

Taking care of your emotional and mental health needs might look different for different people. It could be taking mental health breaks when you need them, or maybe talking with a specialist about reoccurring problems you’ve been experiencing. It could also be finding a new hobby or spending more time with friends. Whatever it might look like, don’t forget to care for your emotional and mental health needs to take care of your overall well-being.

I will create healthy boundaries.

Another important step for planning positive resolutions and goals to improve your mental health is to encourage yourself to form healthy boundaries. Once again, improving your mental health isn’t just about being kind to yourself, it’s also about making sure your environment is positive and supportive. One way to do this is to communicate your needs with the people you love and make boundaries when they’re necessary.

Having boundaries isn’t a bad thing – in fact, it can be a positive way to foster healthy relationships. Boundaries are simply a way to take care of yourself and your mental needs, so don’t be afraid to voice those needs in the upcoming year and create more open, communicative environments where you can grow and reach your full potential!

Do you have more ideas for positive resolutions that will improve our mental health in 2024? Tell us in the comments!

About Draven Jackson

Draven is an avid writer and reader who enjoys sharing her opinions on movies, books, and music with the rest of the world. She will soon be working as a teacher in Japan and hopes to use her experience to connect with other teachers and students around the globe. Draven spends most of her time at home with her family, her dogs, and her ferret.

To see more, view all posts by Draven Jackson here.

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