How to Keep Mentally Healthy in 2022

As we enter 2022, there is something special about the beginning of a new year, with the anticipation of a fresh start and excitement for what the year may hold.

two happy people standing on the edge of a tree-lined lake with their arms in the air and backs to the camera

As COVID-19 continues to travel with us into 2022, for some, a fresh start is not how they may perceive the new year to be.

As we become more aware of our mental health and how important it is to keep mentally well, finding new ways to connect to loved ones and participate in the community, are important considerations. Here are four tips to help you and those you love to stay mentally fit in 2022.

Live

Keeping mentally healthy is essential in living a balanced, grounded, and fulfilling life. Eating well, staying active, sleeping restfully, and maintaining connections through video, phone calls, and online groups are important in helping us keep safe and well.

Learn

One of the great gifts of humanity is that we are always yearning to achieve, looking to improve, and focusing on how we can be better, do better, and work harder. A natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge can greatly help our understanding of mental health and wellness. Here are a few resources:

The Black Dog Institute: As the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, their aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. The Institute provides research studies, education programs, digital tools and apps, clinical services, and public resources to discover new solutions, foster connections, and create real-world change.
ReachOut: One of Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. They provide easy online access to information and support. We recommend following their ‘What’s On Your Mind?’ prompts where you will be lead to resources and tools most relevant to you and your situation.
headspace: Providing tailored and holistic mental health support to 12 - 25 year olds. With a focus on early intervention, headpsace work with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives. Lots of online resources.

TATE: We recommend the ‘How Are You Feeling?’ Quiz which takes you on a journey through art and the connection between art and feeling.

Work

Work provides a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives. Having mastery over something gives a sense of achievement which adds to our wellbeing. It provides us with motivation and a sense of direction.

One experience that can impact our mental wellbeing is workplace bullying. This type of behaviour can lead to anxieties about going to work and can even impact on our self-esteem and identity. Work provides financial security, therefore if we are feeling unsafe or psychologically attacked at work this can be an added stress. Here are a few ways that you can combat workplace stress:

Setting boundaries - record any overtime and if possible, leave work at work rather than taking it home. This has become more difficult since the use of technology and our ability to create a mobile workplace. If you are working from home, try to keep one area of your house for work to provide separation and a space to switch off.
Assertive communication is one way to combat bullying or unrealistic demands. Having a transparent conversation with a supervisor can help!
Transitioning from work to home. What helps you switch off from work? Is it listening to a podcast or your favourite music on the commute home from work?
Recognising burnout. Do you notice yourself thinking about work after work?

Play

Maintaining a balance in life is important. Sometimes we forget to make time for ourselves and to just indulge in simple pleasures. Who says play is just for kids!

By allocating a small amount of time out of our day to ourselves and something we are interested in or find joy from, our pleasure and achievement centres of the brain can be activated.

Here are a few simple ways people can “play”

Play sport, exercise, or join a club or a team. This can give people a boost of exercise-induced endorphins or build social connections.
Create. Why not try your hand at a creative activity to stimulate your brain and ground your body. Some examples include gardening, knitting, sewing, drawing, colouring-in, woodwork, sculpturing.
Treat yourself to a massage, facial, meditate, or have a go at yoga.