Every time the new year rolls around, it's that moment when we decide to make resolutions and change something in our lives. But let's be honest, it doesn't always pan out as we hope. Often, we focus too much on the potential pitfalls. This new year, why not give your resolutions a positive spin? Research indicates that adopting a positive mindset can significantly impact mental health and overall well-being, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, where maintaining a positive outlook was shown to correlate with better mental health outcomes [2].
Shift your attention to what you could gain by sticking to your resolutions and embrace the bright side of things.
Be Honest and Respectful
Why not aim to become a more honest person this year? Dishonesty tends to bring negativity into our lives. Research suggests that being honest can foster psychological well-being by reducing anxiety and improving interpersonal relationships [5]. Sure, being honest can be tricky sometimes, but it often leads to the best outcomes. If you need to be honest with someone, do it directly and face-to-face.
Be a Positive Role Model
Strive to be a positive influence in your surroundings. Focus on the good in everyone and everything. Becoming someone that others admire can significantly enhance your own mental health, as positive interactions contribute to a supportive social environment [1]. Acknowledge the good in others and don't hesitate to recognize their contributions. Communicate with others the way you wish to be treated, but remember to steer clear of negativity and focus on the positive.
Avoid Assumptions
Assuming things can lead to misunderstandings. Take the time to assess situations carefully. Research suggests that effective communication can mitigate misinterpretations and promote better outcomes in personal and professional relationships [4]. Ask the right questions before jumping to conclusions or making judgments. If you rush to conclusions without proper assessment, it could lead to serious consequences. Always take your time to resolve issues thoroughly.
Give and Receive Self-Acknowledgement
Look for opportunities to acknowledge yourself for your achievements, no matter how small. Research indicates that self-acknowledgment can enhance personal well-being and motivation [3]. Make it a point to congratulate others when appropriate. Your compliments don't have to be over-the-top; a simple, genuine acknowledgment can strengthen your relationships.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Decide to immerse yourself in a positive environment. Positive people can uplift you and help you focus on the good aspects of life. They can transform any situation into a cheerful one and dispel negativity. Research shows that social support is crucial for maintaining positive mental health and can significantly buffer stress [2]. Spending just a few minutes with them can lift your spirits and enable you to make better choices. Imagine having a tough day, and then meeting such uplifting people at the end of it—what a difference it can make!
If you're looking for support in your health journey, consider an online doctor consultation. With our AI doctor services, you can easily chat with a doctor online and get personalized advice. Don't hesitate to talk to a doctor online and make informed decisions about your wellbeing!
References:
- Carlos Sequeira, José Carlos Carvalho, Juan Roldan-Merino, Antonio R Moreno-Poyato, Sónia Teixeira, Beatriz David, Patrício Soares Costa, Montserrat Puig-Llobet, Maria Teresa Lluch-Canut. Psychometric properties of the positive mental health questionnaire: short form (PMHQ-SF18) in young adults.. PubMed. 2024.
- Cláudia Almeida, André Novo, Maria Lluch Canut, Carme Ferré-Grau, Carlos Sequeira. COVID-19-Evidence of the Impact of Literacy and Salutogenic Behaviours in Positive Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.. PubMed. 2023.
- Nuo Han, Sijia Li, Feng Huang, Yeye Wen, Xiaoyang Wang, Xiaoqian Liu, Linyan Li, Tingshao Zhu. Sensing Psychological Well-being Using Social Media Language: Prediction Model Development Study.. PubMed. 2023.
- Amanda C M Li, Winnie W S Mak, Kelly K Y Chan, Patrick W Corrigan, Jon Larson, Alice F C Chan, Christopher L F Chan. Honest, Open, Proud (HOP) for people with mental illness in Hong Kong: a randomized controlled trial.. PubMed. 2023.
- Kristene Diggins. Redeeming Self-Awareness in Mental Health.. PubMed. 2023.