Mental Maintenance in 2021
Ways to prioritize a positive mental state.
2021 is a new year, but spotlights the same challenges. From political and racial divides to the shadow of COVID-19 and its variants, it’s evident that 2021 is going to require major mental maintenance. Maintaining a positive mental state affects our ability to cope with change and remain fluid in the face of adversity, which is especially important during this challenging time. But, like all good things in life, positive mental maintenance is something we have to work at.
In a culture that seeks quick fixes, it’s imperative to understand that maintaining a healthy mental state is a daily practice. Some days feel heavier than others and that’s okay. With that being said, there are a number of small, restorative activities that can be done daily to help shift your mindset into a positive state:
Establish wellness routines: Morning stretches, meditative lunch breaks, or reading a spiritual devotional are small but personal wellness routines that can have profound effects on your mental state.
Staying active: Keep the body moving by incorporating a new exercise into your workout routine or taking a walk outside.
Exercise your creativity: Journal, cook, paint, garden, or reorganize your space. Though different, these are all outlets that exercise and express your creativity.
Establish boundaries: With our homes becoming our offices, gyms, and classrooms, it can be difficult to establish boundaries between it all. In an effort to balance various demands, try to create mental boundaries around these spaces, with the understanding that only you can hold yourself accountable.
Prioritize sleep: With age, we tend to forget how life-changing 7-9 hours of sleep can be. Avoid doomscrolling at night and prioritize your sleep.
Create a socially distant support system: Have meaningful conversations with family or friends you feel safe with. Many times, you’ll find that person is experiencing similar feelings of anxiety and restlessness.
Lastly, understanding the difference between what is in our individual control and what is not, is an essential component to mental maintenance. How you maintain and prioritize your mental health is one of few ways to create a sense of stability during this “unprecedented” time.