New Year, New Purpose: 3 Tips To Consider For Your Mental Health Inventory

It’s 2023, and many of us are hopeful about the new year and all it has to bring. 

COVID-19 has changed many of our lives, and we have begun to realize the importance of living in the moment and creating an intentional life that fosters healthy well-being.  The new year is a time for transition and prompts us to hope for impactful change in our lives. Many people make resolutions to improve their physical health or finances, however, thinking about goal setting in a more holistic way can embody our mental health needs. Being the best version of yourself means thinking about, what I call, the 4 F’s of health: Fun, Finances, Family & Friends.

Fun

What do you have this year planned for your fun? Studies show that having fun in your life fights burnout, creates a positive attitude, helps you connect with others, and encourages creativity. But, according to Glamour Magazine, only 53 percent of Americans report having fun regularly, and only 49 percent of women.  Having more fun also helps mental health outcomes and creates a positive effect on how we physically feel.  Fun looks different for everyone.  For some, it could mean learning a new language. For others, it could be relaxing on a beach and doing absolutely nothing.  From laughing all day with friends to finding a quiet place to reflect, make sure that you tap into that feeling of fun.  Your mental health will thank you. 

Finances

Most of us understand the importance of being financially savvy but many of us don’t realize that becoming financially sound takes time and tapping into our relationship with our finances is the first step. In 2015 CBS news reported that money is the leading cause of stress for adults.  Our early experiences with money can trigger a range of emotions such as anxiety, resentment, or feelings of elitism that we carry through life, says Forbes Magazine. So, when thinking about your financial goals for 2023, consider exploring your relationship with money.  

Family & Friends

Identifying the people in our lives that become our village or safe space is vital to healthy well-being. Friends and trusted family can encourage healthy behaviors, provide emotional support, and help foster healthy self-esteem. Healthy interactions with others can reduce our stress levels.  Make an inventory of your tribe.  Who are the people in your life that enhance your life and make it more fulfilling? Make sure that you intentionally spend time with them this year. 

The New Year is all about beginnings. This 2023, focusing on fun, finances, family, and friends will ensure a well-rounded, healthy year full of promise. 

Funeral providers are called upon to comfort the grief-stricken, offering compassionate care, helpful resources, and access to qualified professionals amid times of great suffering. To that end, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services now offers grief counseling and other mental health services to the greater Baltimore community in collaboration with Leslie Holley, a celebrated, nationally-certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Our “Healing Hearts Program” includes regular social media posts, monthly blog articles, and quarterly workshops. All are provided to help our community learn about the grief cycle and how to move through the grieving process in a healthy way.

These services are offered at no additional charge as part of the continuity of care represented in every package provided by Vaughn Greene Funeral Services.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

References:

https://www.glamour.com/story/are-you-having-enough-fun-half-of-americans-say-they-arent#:~:text=About%2072%20percent%20of%20people,how%20they%20feel%20physically%20too.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2019/11/22/what-is-your-relationship-with-money/?sh=a12dc052ddbchttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-biggest-cause-of-stress-in-america-today/