January Is Mental Wellness Month

January 2024

By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

Happy New Year and congratulations on navigating the holiday season, spanning Thanksgiving through New Year’s. This period often shifts our focus to others, from hosting guests and organizing work celebrations to preparing for school breaks and buying gifts. However, January, recognized as Mental Wellness Month, offers a chance to prioritize self-care. Many people experience a slump in January, a common time for heightened depression, underscored by Blue Monday — the third Monday of January, dubbed the year's most depressing day. The post-holiday shift from constant activity can leave a void, making this an ideal time to attend to your emotional well-being. Setting goals for mental health is as vital as those for physical health or finances, playing a key role in achieving broader life objectives. So, where to begin? Here are some tips to enhance mental wellness:

Assess Your Current Mental Status: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and evaluate your feelings. Whether calm, anxious, or happy, this gives an insight into your mental health. Remember, consistent practice of mental wellness is crucial, just as with physical health.

- Create a Mental Health Wellness Plan: Develop a guide with coping skills, contacts for stressful situations, and enjoyable activities. This helps balance thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

- Practice Self-Acceptance: Use the New Year as a chance for self-acceptance and boosting self-esteem.

- Prioritize Self-Care: Daily

self-care is essential. Engage in meaningful activities that bring joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

- Learn a New Skill: Taking up creative hobbies can foster a sense of pride and accomplishment.

- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. This could include walking, cycling, fitness classes, or team sports.

- Cultivate Gratitude: Daily gratitude practice can enhance feelings of thankfulness and optimism, aiding in challenge management. Forgive yourself for mistakes, as everyone makes them.

- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Good nutrition supports both physical and mental health.

- Ensure Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly and limit caffeine intake after lunch.

- Practice Mindfulness: Slow down and consciously notice the positive aspects of your daily activities.

- Seek help when needed: It's a sign of strength to reach out to resources and supports when your mental wellness is suffering. If you find that your depression, anxiety, or stress is interfering with your ability to manage your day-to-day activities, contact Jewish Family Services at (704) 364-6594 or email info@jfscharlotte.org.

If you or a loved one are in crisis and need to talk or get immediate help, call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline.