BY ANGELA HAUPT
WHETHER YOU FEEL TOTALLY reborn—or even just a little bit reset—at the start of a new year, consider making your mental health a priority in 2024. Why? “Because that’s the gateway to everything else,” says Guy Winch, a clinical psychologist, author of the book Emotional First Aid,and co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast. “It’s the linchpin that allows you to succeed or to fail.”
Studies have shown that when people’s mental health improves, they’re more likely to thrive in their relationships and careers—and adopt healthier habits. People become more productive, find meaning in everyday experiences, and are more equipped to cope with change and adversity when they feel mentally well.
Committing to take better care of your mental health in the year ahead could mean re-engaging with—or starting to talk to—a therapist or other licensed professional. If you’ve been to therapy in the past, the start of the year is a terrific time to schedule a catch-up session, says Nedra Glover Tawwab, a therapist and author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself. “Do a mental-health check-in just to make sure those bigger things are addressed, and to get their opinion on things that are coming up,” she suggests.
But going to therapy isn’t the only way to improve your mental health in 2024. We asked Winch, Tawwab, and other experts to share the New Year’s resolutions they hope people make in the name of mental health.
Rethink your social media use
Reflect on whether you’d like to continue with the same online habits in 2024, says Tawwab. “Do you want to set some boundaries for yourself? Are there people you need to unfollow?” For example, you might limit yourself to 15 minutes on social media per day, delete the most time-sucking apps from your phones during the workweek, or challenge yourself not to check social media when you’re feeling glum.
Reconnect with a long-lost friend
“Make new friends, but keep the old” is an adage for a reason. Loneliness affects physical and mental health, while deep social bonds are a salve. Resolve to reach out to “one person you lost touch with who used to be dear to you,” Winch says.
He recommends opening with a text like this: “I was thinking about you. It’s been so long. How are you?” End the message with a smiley face, he adds. “That’s important because when you say, ‘It’s been so long,’ it can sound accusatory.” A smiley face, Winch says, can ensure the real me
