Mental Health Minute

JANUARY 2025 MENTAL HEALTH MINUTE Mental Health Minute 4 Mental Health Benefits Building Good Mental of Dry January Wellness Habits for the New Dry January is a wellness challenge where Year participants abstain from alcohol for the month As the new year begins, focusing on mental wellness to reset after the holiday season. It encourages alongside physical health can improve stress reflection on one's relationship with alcohol and management, relationships, and overall fulfillment. promotes more mindful consumption. Beyond Here are some strategies to support your mental physical benefits, it also offers several mental well-being this year: health advantages, including: 1. Improved mood and mental clarity - Dry • Prioritize quality shuteye. Sleep affects mood, January provides an immediate mood boost cognitive function and overall well-being. Aim for and improved mental clarity by eliminating seven to nine hours of restful sleep each evening. alcohol's depressant effects on mood and • Incorporate self-care. It’s important to make cognition. time for self-care and activities that make you 2. Reduced anxiety and stress - A break from happy, so build them into your daily routine. alcohol can reduce anxiety and stress, • Limit screen time. Frequent tech use can cause allowing the mind to reset and promote a isolation, poor focus, and addiction. A digital greater sense of calm. detox reduces stress, improves self-image, and 3. Increased confidence - Completing Dry encourages healthier offline habits. January can significantly boost self-esteem • Strive for progress, not perfection. Focus on and confidence. Achieving this goal the journey and celebrate progress toward your demonstrates self-control and commitment, goals. It’s about doing your best and accepting which can translate into other areas of life. that it’s OK to make mistakes. 4. Better coping mechanisms – Taking a break • Practice positive self-talk. Replace negative from alcohol encourages participants to find thoughts with positive affirmations. How you talk healthier ways to cope with stress, like to yourself can significantly impact your mental mindfulness or exercise, fostering long-term health. Be kind to others and especially yourself. mental health benefits. The start of the new year is a perfect time to build Whether you’re a regular drinker or someone good mental wellness habits. These can help you who indulges occasionally, taking a month off navigate the challenges of everyday life and enhance from alcohol can provide valuable insights into your overall quality of life. For further guidance or your relationship with drinking and set the stage support, contact a mental health professional or a for a healthier, happier year ahead. health coach. 401 Pennsylvania Pkwy, Suite 200 Office: Indianapolis, IN 46280 Population Health: LHDbenefits.com [email protected]