It’s almost a wrap, my friends! The year 2018 will soon be a thing of the past. In less than two weeks we plunge into another 365 days that lie ahead. What’s your plan? Do you have one? How do you plan to take better care of you? What is your approach and being a healthier and more fulfilled you by this time next year. We must pursue a New Year with our mental health and mitzvah on the forefront. When we do, things change dramatically.
But the choice is ours…
In the next week plus our minds can be racing with the million ‘to dos’ that must be checked off prior to the clock striking twelve on the thirty first. Want to know a secret? When we are aligned, well balanced and seeking ways to spread mitzvah (goodness) our priorities shift and our efficiency in life is kicked up a notch. We are only given one go in this life. How we opt to face and utilize it is up to us. I will assure you, it is a choice that (when chosen) will enhance your life in dynamic ways.
A New Year with our mental health and mitzvah on the forefront
How the heck do I get started? First of all, it’s reminding yourself that YOU are worth it! Way too often we feel guilty when we allocate time for ourselves. Whether that be going for a run or carving out time for weekly counseling taking time for your needs are critical. Sometimes it just takes getting creative and asking for support.
I want you to jot down FIVE ways to decrease stress and strengthen your quality of mental health. What works for you? Running? Reading? Cooking? Building things? Going for a walk? We all can find joy and a sense of recharge when we tap into things that we’re interested. Obviously, it’s matching these things with your life. But remember, even when we are pulled in a million directions we NEED time to breathe. We NEED time to laugh, enjoy a hobby or an activity.
When we start in this direction we become more comfortable with the concept of self care as well as the realities of mental health challenges and struggles SO many of us face. As human beings we must become more comfortable with a topic that impacts each and everyone of us.
Here’s FOUR ways to get your mental health and mitzvah on the forefront:
- Boundaries. There I said it. Everyone of us must establish boundaries between family members, friends and those we may work with. If we are constantly on call as mom, dad, aunt, employee and partner we’re going to be over extended and running on empty before we know what hit us. This is where reminding yourself that YOU are worth it. If YOU are truly going to be effective in all aspects of your life and you want this to be a reality rather than a lofty dream; make YOU a priority. Boundaries…big time important.
If boundaries are not established people will inherently establish them for us…and that’s not a good thing
2. Mitzvah is the Hebrew word that means a commandment or the act of doing good. I believe in it whole
heartedly. If our focus is solely inward it is too easy to become fixated on our personal challenges. When doing good or spreading kindness is something we seek it will strengthen and lighten our state of mind. In brining joy to others we realize our potential and our positives all while helping others. Pretty sweet if you ask me.
3. Positive Peeps are important. Who do you surround yourself with? If our closest circle is simmering with
negativity or gossip it rubs off on how we feel about ourselves and others. It’s inevitable. Do those who you surround yourself with support and encourage you? If not, it’s a discussion worth exploring. If not well
received, remember as long as you’re breathing it is never too late to readjust your social circle.
Fourth and final…(drum roll, please):
4. Stop making excuses and feeling guilty. A gas needs car to run. A bike needs inflated tires to effectively get around. We require (not desire) self maintenance and allocating time for our tank to be filled. You deserve it. Realize this, if you don’t take time for yourself and if you don’t value you the chances others will is rare. This is inclusive of our partners, friends and..yup, kids. We push for those we love to take care of themselves, to be healthy, yet we often fail to hold ourselves to the same standards. That has to change.
I urge you to allow your mental health and the mindset of mitzvah to be on the forefront…
A new year is upon us. We can allow it to pass through our fingertips like grains of sand or we can take advantage of days that we are not guaranteed to live life as we were intended; fully, authentically and healthily.
Let’s do this! Peace, love and mitzvah!
