2023 is fast approaching.
This is the time of year where people make resolutions; eat healthy, get fit, etc, etc. How about we… relax? Focus on overall wellbeing?
The last few years have been rough to say the least
Covid threw the world a massive curveball. In Australia, we were in and out of lockdown. People were out of work. Socialising was put on hold.
People were (and still are) worried about children. They were often isolated. Their education was suffering. Earlier this year, primary school teachers encouraged children to play card games to regain their social skills.
2020, 2021 and 2022 have been a rollercoaster. A mess. Yet, people have been expected to bounce back. Back to work. Back to socialising. Back to where we were before.
But have we been able to go back to normal? No. Not healthily anyway.
There’s no Christmas spirit
It’s less than two weeks until Christmas. And nobody is in the mood. The atmosphere is underwhelming. Why?
A woman on Facebook (who I’m not friends with), posted an interesting piece earlier this month.
Quoting psychologist Naomi Holdt, she wrote that no one entered 2022 on a “full tank”.
People entered 2022 tired, traumatised and… lost. We were expected to just bounce back. But we weren’t given time to process. Process grief, trauma and fear.
She also points out that many people are probably using busyness as a mask; to mask the pain and fear, as well as “catch up” on all aspects of life.
Meanwhile, people around the world are having a hard time. They just can’t bounce back. Some people are still battling with their mind.
Financial stress is hitting people worldwide
A major source of stress for people worldwide is cost of living. Earlier this month, I wrote that many people in Australia, US and the UK have been forced to make steep sacrifices over Christmas, including going without gifts.
Inflation is only getting worse. And it’s predicted they’ll only get worse in 2023.
I know, it’s a lot of doom and gloom. It’s so uncertain. So what can we do?
Tips to for mental wellness in 2023
Eat healthily and exercise regularly. Practice relaxation and meditation techniques. This is all stuff we all have heard a hundred times before. Maybe in 2023, we can start practicing it.
Tipstorelax.com shares these tips to maintain mental wellness in 2023:
- Eat healthily and exercise regularly. Practice relaxation techniques, including meditation.
- Simplify your life. Evaluate your schedules and don’t be afraid to to cut back. Likewise, don’t be afraid to get rid of any posessions that no longer serve you. Learn to delegate tasks. You don’t have to do everything on your own!
- Practice gratitude daily
- Identify your purpose. Find your passion and joy.
- Keep in contact with friends and family
- Accept reality
- Avoid perfectionism (I have to keep reminding myself of this one!)
- Be playful
- Maintain your environment. Keep it clean from clutter and dirt.
Make 2023 the year of mental health
On the 1st of January 2023, I think we should just breathe. Just relax. We should prioritise mental health in 2023.
Personally, my aim is to get work, at least part – time. It’s going to be a long road, I still want to maintain my mental health in the meantime. With the love and support from those around me, I think I’ll be able to do that.
I hope the same for anyone who reads this. Make 2023 the year to breathe, to reach out and to honour your needs. Get help if you need it.
What are your goals or hopes for 2023? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
