OPINION:
It’s January and many people view the New Year as a time to reset and refresh after the holidays. The Christmas decorations are down, the kids are back in school, and the time to cultivate new habits and routines is upon us.
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The best way to develop new patterns that support well-being is to be intentional and have a plan. Take a few minutes to reflect on how you want to optimize your life in 2024. How would you like to grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally? Visualize the person you wish to become and take steps to make that vision a reality. When you are developing new habits and routines, clarity is key.
Here are some additional wellness strategies to help make 2024 the best year yet!
Philippians 4:8 – Ditch distraction
How often are you distracted? It has been estimated that the average American adult spends 47% of every waking hour with their mind wandering. Our devices are pulling us deeper into distraction and away from focusing on Godly things. One study found we smile 30% less when our phone is present.
In 2024, make an effort to majorly limit screen time and instead be intentional with where you direct your focus. Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”
Cut out mindless screen time and doom scrolling and instead cultivate cognitive practices that help you nourish your wellbeing.
Romans 15:13 – Get a handle on your emotions
Regulated emotions are essential for our overall well-being. They are critical for decision-making, learning, and connecting with others. Know that you don’t always have to feel happy, and that Jesus Himself expressed a wide range of emotions from anger to sorrow. Monitor how you feel, name it with nuance, and view it as a signal instead of a weakness. Share your feelings with others and know that you are always in charge of how you react.
Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
If you are suffering with loss, grief, depression, anxiety, or overall feelings that are causing distress or impacting your functioning, consider seeking professional help. Understanding and coping with your emotions is a skill that gets better with practice.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Nurture relationships and build community
Relationships are really good for us. One of the largest predictors of well-being is our quality of relationships with others.
Jesus was an example of how important it is to have a group of friends and a support system. This kind of support system has been declining rapidly in our technological times.
As you look into 2024, think of ways you can strengthen and expand your community. How can you deepen your relationships? How can develop new friendships? What is a fun way you would like to start connecting with others? Keep in mind, the best way to have great friendships is to be a great friend.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Corinthians 10:24 – Focus less on yourself
One of the greatest ironies of well-being is that the more we focus on serving other people and making it about them instead of ourselves, the happier we become. Think of ways you can serve other people this year. Get creative in how you can reach out to people who may be struggling and show them support. It can be as simple as a quick text or note of encouragement. We suffer a lot less when we focus on the suffering of others instead of ourselves.
1 Corinthians 10:24 reminds us that “no one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
I pray that the new year will help you refocus and refuel and ultimately help you serve your Heavenly Father and others in love.
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Dr. Jennifer Londgren is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato and the Program Coodinator of the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a nationally certified counselor, and a board certified telemental health provider. She has worked as a clinical mental health provider for the past ten years and recently published the book: “A Guide to Mental and Emotional Wellness: Biblical wisdom, Practical principles, Clinical insight.” She is married to Trevor and has four children Jack (9), Kate (7), Anna (4), and Henry (2).
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