7 Reasons to Invest in Your Mental Health in the New Year

A new year means new goals and resolutions. One objective everyone should have on their list is to manage and improve their mental health.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and many factors can lead to its detriment, including everyday stressors and major life events. Here are six reasons you should invest in your mental health this year.

Mental illness and stress take much of your brain’s time and energy. Dealing with depression, anxiety and other conditions can be so overwhelming you can’t focus on your ability to be creative.

Creativity is important for self-expression and figuring out complex problems you face throughout life. Caring for your mental health helps you feel more secure so you can focus on being creative.

Living with untreated mental health conditions can inhibit your learning ability.

You’ll have to learn new information and skills in many situations. Mental struggles can keep you in your head and unable to focus on the task, missing important knowledge.

Your focus will improve with the proper treatment, allowing you to take in everything you need to know.

Your confidence connects to your mental well-being. If you don’t feel your best, you’ll have difficulty trying new things or making solid decisions.

You can feel good about your actions and ability to take on the world when fears or negative voices don’t control your mind. Whether starting a new job, having a hard conversation or taking the next step in your relationship, managing your mental health can give you the confidence you need.

Everyone goes through hard times, and if you have poor mental health, you’re unlikely to cope well with the changes.

Mental toughness doesn’t mean not feeling emotions but is the ability to carry on despite them. Hard times strain your mental health, which is exacerbated when you already struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or another mental health condition.

Properly caring for your mental health provides the stability to handle difficult situations better.

Certain mental health conditions increase the likelihood of developing serious illnesses.

Excess stress can lead to an increased heart disease risk, and anxiety and depression can lead to disordered eating and related health effects. A recent study shows that individuals with mental health conditions are four times more likely to develop dementia in the future. You can work toward prevention by getting the right treatment.

Mental and physical health are inherently connected, making mental stability necessary for your body to thrive.

Your mental health can shape your relationships with others. Anxiety, depression and other conditions can lead to isolation and irritability, which can separate you from the people you love and keep you from forming positive new connections.

Investing in your mental health opens the doors to building and improving new relationships.

Many studies show the connection between sleep and mental health. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to rejuvenate their minds and body.

Stress or racing thoughts can prevent you from getting the sleep you need. This can create a negative cycle, where the lack of sleep affects your mental health. Investing in your emotional well-being helps you break the cycle.

You’ll need to invest time and money to improve your mental health. Here are some ways you can do that.

Work is a necessary part of life for most people, but you face burnout without taking the proper time off.

Creating a manageable schedule that gives you time to spend with your loved ones can help you feel better.

Self-care means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You can do so by reading a favorite book, meditating, visiting a spa, eating a healthy meal, and doing anything else that’s good for your body or soul.

It’s something you do for your well-being and can recharge you for anything life has in store.

Having too much on your plate can easily harm your mental health. People-pleasers can find it hard to say no to requests, family members, friends or co-workers.

You’re only human, and turning down a favor or two can help you feel more stable.

There is no shame in seeking help. One in five Americans live with a mental illness in any given year, and the right support can help you live a healthier, happier life.

A psychiatrist can help identify the condition you’re living with and prescribe medication or other forms of physical treatment. A therapist can help you better understand how to manage it so it no longer impacts your daily life.

Investing time and energy into your mental health can improve every other aspect of your life. Caring for yourself can help you calmly and confidently navigate the years to come.