Practicing Mental Wellness in 2024 with a Weekly Routine
Happy New Year! How often do our New Year Resolutions include hitting the gym, reading a specific number of books, learning a new language, or saving up a certain amount of money – while completely overlooking arguably the most important aspect of our lives: our mental health?
Improving one’s mental health can certainly be a daunting task if one doesn’t know how or where to start. A simple Google search indicates over millions of results with tons of articles, videos, and more – which can cause loads of overwhelm for a person who is diving into this subject for the first time. Hence, the purpose of this blog post is to not only consolidate all that information into a few short tips – it’s also structured in an easy-to-follow weekly routine, which eliminates the “how” or “where” and gets straight to: START!
1. Mindfulness Monday: Start your week by diving into the art of mindfulness. Take a moment to breathe deeply, appreciate the present, and let go of the Monday madness. Whether it’s a mindful walk, a few moments of meditation, or simply savoring your morning tea without distractions, let the first day of the week be a reminder to stay present.
2. Talk-it-Out Tuesday: Engage in open conversations with friends, family, or a trusted confidante. Talking about your feelings can be a powerful way to release pent-up emotions. Whether you’re sharing triumphs or tribulations, the key is to connect and communicate. It’s time to break the silence and embrace the therapeutic power of conversation.
3. Wellness Wednesday: Midweek calls for a well-rounded approach to mental health. Focus on nourishing your mind, body, and soul. Consider activities like exercise, healthy eating, and self-care routines that cater to your well-being. Think of it as a wellness buffet – pick and choose what makes you feel good inside and out.
4. Thoughtful Thursday: Challenge and reframe negative thoughts today. Take a moment to reflect on your mindset. Are there recurring negative thought patterns that could use a makeover? Replace self-criticism with self-compassion and gratitude. Transform your mental landscape, one positive thought at a time.
5. Feel-Good Friday: Celebrate the end of the week by engaging in activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or treating yourself to a favorite indulgence, prioritize what makes you genuinely happy. A sprinkle of joy goes a long way in boosting mental well-being.
6. Social Saturday: Connect with others and build a social support network. Whether it’s a virtual chat, a coffee date, or a group activity, nurture your social connections. Social bonds play a crucial role in mental health, so make this day about building and strengthening those relationships.
7. Self-Care Sunday: Wrap up the week with a self-care extravaganza. Dedicate today to activities that recharge your batteries and promote relaxation. Whether it’s a bubble bath, a face mask, a good book, or simply enjoying some quiet time, prioritize self-care to set a positive tone for the upcoming week.
By following the above routine, we at CIC hope that you can set the new year off with mental health as a priority, and enhance your daily life as a result.
However, it is important to remember that certain mental health issues might require you to reach out to someone professionally – which is what we are here for! If you feel like you require support to navigate the new year in a mentally healthy way, feel free to reach out to us at +923062228041 to book a consultation session.
Author: Fareeha Syeda Ziyan