New Year resolutions are bad for you say health experts
Resolutions are bad
Deciding to turn over a new leaf in the New Year could actually do you more harm than good, a mental health charity said today.
Mind urged people not to feel they must start 2009 full of resolutions for self-improvement.
The charity said resolutions which focus on physical imperfections - such as bids to lose weight - create a negative self image and lead to feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem and even mild depression.
And when those optimistic resolutions fail that could trigger feelings of failure and inadequacy, the charity said.
Mind chief executive Paul Farmer said: "New Year's resolutions can sometimes focus on our problems or insecurities such as being overweight, feeling unhappy in our jobs or feeling guilty about not devoting enough time to friends and family throughout the year.
"We chastise ourselves for our perceived shortcomings and set unrealistic goals to change our behaviour, so it's not surprising that when we fail to keep resolutions, we end up feeling worse than when we started.
"In 2009, instead of making a New Year's resolution, think positively about the year to come and what you can achieve."
Instead of easily broken resolutions the charity suggested a few steps to improve all round mental health in 2009:
* Be active - exercise releases endorphins and even a gentle stroll is beneficial for your mental wellbeing.
* Going green - Evidence has shown that connecting with nature can boost moods.
* Learn something new - it will keep your mind stimulated and give you confidence in your abilities.
* Give back to your community - it can be just as rewarding for you as those you choose to help.
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