2020 brought all of us new challenges and difficulties that we weren’t expecting, and as we move into the new year, you might find it hard to leave the stress and tension of last year behind. If you feel your thoughts and emotions are clouded by lingering stress and tension, try a brain dump to help alleviate some of that tension. A brain dump can be any number of things, from a journal entry to a voice recording. Regardless of the format, a brain dump can help you write down, verbalize, and organize the loose lingering thoughts in your head. Make some time in the next week to try a brain dump of your own; you might find it helpful as we move further into the new year!

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Last year was difficult, there’s no question about it. The changes we went through in 2020 forced us to adapt in new ways, and approach our mental health as we had never done before. While it is easy to ask for things to “return to normal,” there are ways this change can help us grow into new people. Start by focusing on just your basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and sleep, and work your way back to the big concerns and stresses of life. Reach out for support, and seek professional help if you feel that it would be useful to you. It will be ok, and we will continue to grow.

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The few days before New Years can feel like an “in-between” space; a space that waits in anticipation for what comes next. This can be a source of anxiety for many people, as uncertainty and doubt tend to lead our emotions while we wonder what comes next. It’s ok to wonder at what might be coming in the future, but don’t allow it to consume all of your thoughts. Ground yourself in small, concrete ways, and take stock of what you can and can’t control. The new year can feel daunting, but with the right mindset, it can become a new opportunity to grow and find your path.

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All too often, we feel the pressure to make the holidays “special,” when in reality they can be very stressful for many people. As the year comes to an end, people are dealing with a plethora of stresses and challenges, and the added pressure of the holidays can feel overwhelming. Make sure you take time during this season to prioritize yourself. Your holidays don’t have to meet anyone else’s expectations; only your own. Enjoy the rest and relaxation, and make space for your joy.

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It’s difficult to see the people we care about struggling or making unhealthy decisions. Often, we want to help this person, by taking on the task of “fixing” them, without realizing what this means for both parties. As much as we want to, we can’t change another person, and we certainly can’t “fix” them; they must do that work for themselves. Instead, try to be a good role model, and offer support when you can, without assuming that they need your help. If you can still remain a positive outlet in their life, you are helping them in the best way that you can.

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Day to day life occurs differently for everyone. For many people, it can feel as though life is passing them by, or every day feels the same. While some of this feeling comes from the unavoidable obstacles and challenges that happen in life, a lot of these feelings come down to how you approach each day! Start guiding yourself towards the positives in your life. You can choose to let life happen to you, or you can go out and make life happen.

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It’s ok and natural to feel down or stressed from time to time; we all experience these emotions in our lifetime. If these emotions become the new normal, however, it may be time to reach out to someone you trust for help. It can feel difficult or stressful to open yourself up to others, but by reaching out to another person, you are lightening the load on yourself, and finding new ways to get yourself unstuck. It’s ok to feel out of sorts, but you should never have to feel it on your own.

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The last year has been unpredictable, and many people are struggling to figure out the next step in life. As we evaluate our lives and notice what we want to change, we should take note of things that we are drawn to, things that we no longer have the energy for, and things that seem intriguing or interesting. Talk to your friends and family, read new books, and try something new; you have the power to change your life, and all you have to do is start.

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There is a fine line between being selfless, and sacrificing yourself before others. Being a caring and generous person is not a bad thing, but there is a point where your “generous” actions may come at the expense of your own health or well-being. Try to find a balance between helping others, and taking care of yourself. You don’t need to stop being kind or thoughtful; you just need to make sure you are kind and thoughtful to yourself as well.

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Conversations can be challenging to navigate at times, particularly when you don’t agree with the other person. To help in these difficult situations, plan your words and intentions ahead of time, which allows you to approach the conversation with respect, a goal in mind, and an open mind. There is never a foolproof method to avoid conflict or arguments, but by preparing yourself in the right ways, you can work towards healthier communication

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Anxiety is part of the human experience; a response to danger or fear that can often be beneficial to our survival. Outside of a dangerous situation, however, anxiety can become a significant hindrance to day to day life. As the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in the U.S., roughly 40% of Americans report an Anxiety Disorder at some time in their life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, take some time to understand what you may be feeling, and don’t be afraid to reach out and seek help.

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We have all experienced our fair share of conflict. It can come in many forms, like arguments with friends, competitions against rivals, or even simple disagreements with strangers. Conflicts can be highly emotional, and all of us deal with them in different ways, which can sometimes lead to further conflict. Just remember that they can often lead to a better understanding of one another, and if approached with respect and an open mind, there is no need for a conflict to be an unpleasant experience.

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When making decisions, we often encounter the struggle between what we “should” do and what we “want” to do. Most times, we will choose what we think we should do, to fulfill the expectations of our peers, society, or role models. While this isn’t a problem in itself, it can come at the expense of things you genuinely enjoy or want. Begin to recognize the difference between your “shoulds” and your “wants”, and find a good balance between the two.

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While the words “love” and “relationship” are often seen as connected, this isn’t always the case. Relationships, romantic or not, cannot solely work on love. A successful relationship is complex and multi-faceted; love alone does not make up for commitment, respect, or communication between two people. Love is a great thing to have for another person, but it shouldn’t be the only reason to be with them.

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Many of us feel that stress is taking over our lives, leading to feelings of helplessness, frustration, or a loss of control. Stress has a large sphere of influence, and if we let it, it can start to dominate everything that we do in life. If your life seems frantic and out of control, take a moment to evaluate the stresses and worries in your life. You may find that many of the things you were worried about can be helped with organization and perspective.

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When we feel apathetic, it can feel like we are detached or that there is no hope left, which can rapidly become distressing. To help push through, remind yourself that it’s ok to prioritize yourself. Reach out and find support when needed, and forgive yourself. Realize what is or isn’t working in your life, and make the changes you need to make.

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Have you ever felt as though you are the only one contributing to a relationship? Many of us have experienced this with friends, family, or our loved ones, and it can be difficult to manage. It is healthy to tell the other person your needs and expectations, with the purpose of moving towards a more equal and respectful relationship.

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When we experience a high-emotion event, such as a break-up, or a fight, we can often feel drained the following day. Our emotions take a big part of us, and we won’t always recover quickly from these interactions. If you notice yourself struggling after an emotional interaction, try some of the tips in this article to relax, reset, and try to cure your emotional hangover.

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Within our day-to-day life, we sometimes do or say regrettable things. While it is easy to look back on these mistakes, it’s hard to hold yourself accountable for them and to take action in response. Create space and time for yourself to look inward, and reflect on times you may have struggled to hold yourself accountable. Nobody is perfect, but by accepting your mistakes and learning from them, you may find it easier to grow and thrive.

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