Your therapist in Sugar Land explains How to set realistic mental health goals for 2022
January is the time of year we all set resolutions, but this year I’m challenging my clients to focus on creating goals. So many of us set goals related to work, finances, and/or physical health, but it’s important to make mental health goals as well.
These kinds of goals can be so powerful that they impact all areas of our life!
Your Therapist in Sugar Land explains why should you set mental health goals
Did you know that people who set goals have higher self-motivation, confidence, independence and self-esteem? Having goals gives us a sense of purpose and something to work towards. They challenge us to improve our mental wellbeing.
Some examples of mental health goals could be:
Taking time each week or day to practice self-love
Taking care of your body
Making time for mindfulness
Finding ways to manage your stress or anxiety
Seeking support and help from a therapist
Setting boundaries
Reflecting on and respecting your feelings
Your Therapist in Sugar Land explains how to set mental health goals
The key to goal setting is to keep them small and attainable. Forgive yourself when you get off track and set realistic expectations. Make a plan for when you get off track (not if, but when) and ask yourself:
How will I talk to myself if this happens?
What do I need to do to get back on track?
What is my game plan for when things go wrong?
What do I need to hear and who do I need to reach out to?
Remember that goals should be SMART– specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound. Give yourself time to accomplish your goals because it’s not supposed to be easy. And it’s okay to readjust your goals if they aren’t really working for you. I can help you do this!
For your big goals, start at your end goal and work backwards. Map out how you get there and where you want to go. Create smaller goals to help you reach your final destination.
Make your well-being a top priority this year with these mental health tips…
Don’t ignore your feelings. When you’re setting goals, pretending something isn’t happening won’t make it go away. If you are feeling sad, depressed, anxious or angry try understanding your feelings rather than ignoring them. What is making you upset? Can you do anything about it? Who can help? You have control over how you deal with your feelings. Therapy can help!
Commit to therapy. A therapist is non-biased person who is emotionally invested in you. They are equipped with the skills and experience to help you maneuver through life’s challenges. Therapy is a safe space where you can work through your past, set boundaries, notice patterns and develop healthy coping strategies.
Practice forgiveness. Forgive yourself and others this year. Forgiveness can mean acceptance, but it doesn’t mean you have to continue to speak to the person in the relationship that is hurting you. Forgive yourself when you get off track mentally, physically or emotionally.
Learn more about the tools you need to set boundaries along with your goals this year.
Interested in getting more information regarding mental health? Sign up for our free mailing list.
