Mental Health Tips for Winter Break
The idea of changing a thought or behavior sounds very simple, yet it is much more
difficult to initiate change and maintain motivation for that change. Here are a few
habit change techniques that might help you in the New Year:
1. Do just one thing at a time. This is extremely important. Habit change is difficult, even with just one habit.
If you try to change more than one habit at a time, you're setting yourself up for
failure. Keep it simple, allow yourself time to focus and make it a priority to give
yourself the best chance for success.
2. Start small. The smaller the better, because habit change is difficult. Want to exercise? Start
with just 10-15 minutes. Want to wake up earlier? Try just 10 minutes earlier for
now. Want to change your thinking? Reframe every negative thought with one positive
thought.
3. Do a 30-day challenge. On average, it takes about 30 days to change a habit if you remain focused and consistent.
This is an average number and will vary from person to person and habit to habit.
Once you establish your habit and start small, make sure you document your daily progress
to hold yourself accountable.
4. Write it down. Just saying you're going to change the habit is not enough of a commitment. You
need to actually write down the habit you're going to change and place it somewhere
you will see it daily. If you prefer to use an app or virtual program to identify
your habit and monitor your progress, that works too!
5. Make a plan. While you're writing down the habit you intend to change, also write down a plan.
This will ensure you're fully prepared. The plan should include your motivations for
changing, potential obstacles along the way and supportive persons that will encourage
your growth. Lastly, don't forget to carve out time to celebrate your successes!
What is one habit you plan to change? Visit Therapist Aid to check out a habit change form.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." — Aristotle
WCC FRIENDS & FAMILY ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP
Do you care for someone who lives with a mental health condition? The National Alliance
on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Washtenaw County and Washtenaw Community College are collaborating
again this semester to offer students monthly support meetings. The meetings will
include conversations on caring for loved ones, as well as strategies for centering
self-care.
The four meetings this semester are scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
January 28, February 18, March 18 and April 15. You can register online or by calling 734-994-6611. Questions can be directed to Amy Higgins at [email protected].