Happy New Year!

It's resolution season! 

Before you jump into the list of all the changes you have to make, remember to be realistic and create a strategy. Ask yourself how much time and energy you are willing to dedicate to achieving your goals.

Sometimes this means starting with a simple routine that you can stick to. 

The following list has examples of simple actions that we can all take to ensure we have a happy 2017!

Take Control
Pay attention to your mental and physical health so you can take the necessary steps to get or maintain the proper treatment. No skipping doctors’ appointments or neglecting to take prescribed medications!

Action item: Keep a mood journal to identify trends in behavior or emotional triggers.

Be Body Conscious
…but not for superficial reasons. First of all, get rest. Poor sleep can alter brain function and cause weight gain. Then, get moving. Exercise releases endorphins – the feel-good chemical that helps prevent or reduce mental health problems – and can boost brain function. Eating properly – healthy greens, nuts and other lean proteins – also has a positive effect on mood and anxiety levels.

Action item: On the weekend, go shopping for the following week to give yourself time to plan your meals.

Say Goodbye to Negative Nancy (or Nate)
Don’t beat yourself up when you’re down. Your nagging, insecure thoughts can easily control you if you let them. If your inner Negative Nancy/Nate speaks to you in a manner in which you would never speak to those you love, shut her or him up! 

Action item: Write down positive mantras on sticky notes and put them on your mirror. Say them aloud to yourself every morning to start your day.

Be Kind
Start by being compassionate to yourself. If you don’t care for and love yourself, you will struggle to spread that positivity outward to those around you. Studies claim that practicing kindness can increase success, cognitive functioning, and energy and heart health. Science aside, you cannot deny the good feeling you get from being kind to others.

Action item: Share a smile. Smiles are free and contagious!

Get Out & Socialize 
A lack of social connectivity can put you at risk for health problems. In fact, it’s the leading cause of geriatric depression. So stay connected to the supportive, loving friends and family in your life. Getting off the couch and going out to volunteer or to do a hobby is a way to socialize in the community, make new friends, and help give your life a sense of purpose or meaning.

Action item: Even if you have to write it down on your calendar, make a plan to reach out to a friend or family member at least once a month. It can be as simple as a phone call or a coffee date.