50 Easy Ways to Increase your Mental Health and Happiness for the New Year

As we approach the start of the new year, it is not only a time for reflection, but it is also the perfect time to set our goals and priorities for the upcoming year. Increasing your mental health and happiness is something we should all put at the top of our priority list. Looking after ourselves help us be strong and healthy enough to help others. And when we feel good, the whole world looks good!

50 Easy Ways You Can Increase your Mental Health and Happiness

1. Spend time with your family and friends
2. Listen to your favourite artists
3. Hold the door for someone
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables
5. Host board game night
6. Help your family or neighbour to shovel the snow
7. Put on a favourite song and dance around the house
8. Go on a walk and look for something new
9. Give your friends and family a hug
10. Have a self-care day at home or with a friend
11. Adopt or foster a pet
12. Volunteer with local charity organizations
13. Get extra food to donate to your local food bank
14. Learn a new skill like sewing, writing, or build something
15. Give your neighbour a helping hand
16. Go to your favourite restaurant or try a new type of food
17. Watch the sunset or sunrise
18. Check in with old friends or acquaintances
19. Support your local thrift store by purchasing or donating items
20. Spend some time in nature and enjoy the peace
21. Introduce your favourite show to a friend
22. Don’t skip meals and eat well
23. Try a new activity or sport
24. Set goals for the new year and create a plan for each one
25. Try meditation
26. Drink lots of water – start your day with one full glass to get going
27. Read a book and make the time to finish it
28. Clean up a room or a closet in your home
29. Stretch in the morning to loosen up for the day
30. Say thank you to public service workers
31. Go to the movies
32. Spend the first 5 minutes of your day without your phone
33. Get your friend something they really need
34. Help babysit your niece or nephew or a friend’s children
35. Get your body moving anyway you can
36. Start a passion project
37. Write down 3 things you are grateful for every day
38. Get 8 hours of sleep
39. Spend less time on your phone – use the screen time setting to help
40. Learn a new language
41. Tell the people in your life you love them
42. Write a journal entry in the morning
43. Plan a trip for the new year – big or small – for a change of scenery
44. Coordinate a beach or park clean up
45. Deepen your existing friendships
46. Explore the city you live in – be a tourist for a day
47. Be okay with not being okay
48. Practice self-compassion
49. Expand your social circle
50. Try therapy or counselling or talk to a life coach to keep momentum and moving forward

Personal Time Increases Mental Health

These ideas highlight the need to set time aside to do things that bring you happiness and prioritize your mental health. This encompasses doing things you love, as well as helping and thinking about other people. People are social creaturs and need personal connections to thrive. But research shows that alone time also plays a pivotal role in mental health. Prioritizing yourself means having needed social connections, helping others, and also spending time on you. Make 2023 the year you put your own mental health at the top of your to-do list and choose one thing to do each day. Your mind and your body will thank you.

We, at 365give, believe happiness can stem from leading a generous life by just giving just a little bit every day. As we enter the new year, why not consider participating in the 365give challenge? This will encourage you to try giving just a little every day.

Not only will this benefit the people around, you but soon you may soon reap the benefits of this challenge and lead a healthier and happier life. Happy New Year!