We once again bid farewell to another tough year; a year which has had many of us battling through the many challenges facing the nation. With 2023 around the corner, we can start thinking about our new year’s resolutions, which for many of us should be taking care of ourselves. After all, with a new year comes a new perspective and new perspectives allow us to examine many aspects of our lives.
Start the new year off well by focusing on your lifestyle, health and diet, with a special focus on your mental health. With the last three years challenging many of us mentally, 2023 is the year to give our minds the TLC it deserves.
Here’s how you can ensure that you start the new off in a way that will improve your physical and mental health.
Learn To Breathe
This may sound trivial, but it is the most important matter when it comes to good health. Without proper breathing, many of us can end up panicking, extremely anxious and above all, ruining our mental health. There are many ways to practise breathing with box breathing being one of the more popular ways. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds and then hold your breath for 4 seconds before breathing out the same way. Not only will this make you calmer, but it will also allow you to stay in control in challenging situations.
Take a Daily Walk
Staying active is a surefire way to stay healthy and happy. Make 2023 different by packing in a daily walk within your schedule. By doing this, you boost your mood and give your body the chance to enjoy the fresh air. You also get to bond with people, which will reduce anxiety and boost your mental health. Whilst we recommend a daily walk for around 20-30 minutes, two 30-minute walks a week is the absolute minimum for optimum health.
Find Time To Relax
We may think we know how to relax, but the truth is, there’s more to it than simply putting our feet up on the sofa whilst we binge our favourite Netflix show. A study in 2018 revealed that modern life has made us forget how to relax, which is mainly due to our minds constantly being stimulated. With work being a constant part of our life, our bodies need relaxation to heal from the stresses of everyday life. You can relax by meditating, taking a hot bath, breathing deeply or even reading. Whatever you choose, be sure to do it consistently to make it a habit.
Take a Break From Tech
We’re surrounded by tech nowadays, which makes it extremely difficult to let go. Some of us feel so reliant on the tech that it’s even with us when we sleep. With a new year, it’s time for many of us to start thinking about how we can change that relationship. Great change does not happen overnight, so it’s best to start by making small changes. If you surf the net on your phone at night for 30 mins, reduce that to 10. If you look at your phone first thing in the morning, find a new exciting habit instead. Making small changes which decrease our time with tech will provide us with more time and energy to focus on things that matter.
Focus on Something You Enjoy Doing
We all have something that we enjoy doing, and 2023 is the year to give it some time and attention! Whether it’s arts and crafts, writing, reading or even playing football, give your body the downtime it deserves by doing something you love. Hobbies get us active and help keep us healthy, both physically and mentally. For those of you that don’t have an interest in mind, maybe it’s a good chance to explore a new hobby.
Juber Ahmed is our Digital Editor and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences.
Juber's favourite Quote...
"The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page" [Saint Augustine]
