Setting mental health goals for 2024!

Now that the new year has started it's an excellent time to start thinking about what you would like to achieve in 2024.

Writing yourself a list goals is a good way to focus your attention on what’s important to you and can also be an important step in your mental health recovery journey.

The first step to achieving your goals in 2024 is deciding what they are…here are five suggestions to get you started.

Spend some time reflecting on the past year, think about the lessons you have learnt and the things you have been able to achieve. Think about what has brought you joy and made you smile.

• Look after yourself physically

Your physical health is linked to your mental health which means there are changes you can make to improve your physical health that will in turn benefit your mental health. Simply put 2024 is a good a time as any to start exercising!

And don’t get too caught up with results, instead try doing something you enjoy and that makes you feel good about yourself.

• Put yourself out there

The new year is a good time to actively start looking at ways of putting yourself “out there”.

Why not consider joining a group or club based on your hobbies or something that you have always wanted to try.

You might like to join a book club or sporting team, why not volunteer, join a drawing group or take music classes.

By putting yourself out there you will in turn start making new friends and increase your confidence at the same time.

• Practice self-care

Self-care is an important practice to improve your mental health…so it’s time to start taking time for yourself.

Taking just a small amount of time for yourself you can be hugely beneficial to your mental health. Simple self-care practices include, planning time for yourself and discovering what makes you happy.

Develop an understanding of the places, people and activities that make you happy to recharge.

• Be in the moment

Life can be frantic and it's easy to get caught in a loop and rush from one thing to the next. When you get caught it’s easy to miss out on the special moments in life.

Introducing mindfulness to your day can help you focus on being in the moment. There are a lot of ways to practice mindfulness from meditation to colouring. Just five minutes a day can be helpful.

Reach out for support

Most importantly remember there is always support available!

• Lifeline 13 11 1
• Kids Helpline (5-25yrs) 1800 551 800
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• Beyondblue 1300 224 636
• QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527