Ringing in the New Year with a New Routine | Sanjeevani 4 U

Ringing in the New Year with a New Routine

Happy 2022 from Sanjeevani to you all!

The start of a new year is always a time for introspection: to pause and reflect on the past year, where you are now, and where you are going.
The past two years in particular have shed light on the importance of mental health as we cope with the stressors of living through a global pandemic. COVID-19 has especially taken a toll on youth and adolescent mental health.

The rates of depression and anxiety among this population (up to 18 years old) have doubled since the pandemic began. Currently, 1 in 4 youth display clinically elevated depression symptoms and 1 in 5 youth are experiencing clinically elevated anxiety symptoms [1].

Youth are struggling now more than ever with their mental health. With schools closing or going online, they have lost the consistent time and space to connect with their peers, teachers, and coaches. Along with missing out on positive, mood-boosting social interactions, youth have also faced a major disruption to their consistent, predictable daily routine.

What can we do to combat the increasing youth mental health crisis?

Young people thrive on predictability. Therefore, one of the best things to reduce anxiety and increase coping is to establish a
regular, consistent routine. Routines give us structure, they give us a sense of accomplishment, they help us check in with ourselves, and they let us know how people around us are doing [2].

Here are some ideas for creating a routine:
1. Waking up at the same time everyday
2. Shower and dress as if you were going to school/work
3. Eat meals at regular times
4. Pick a consistent time to exercise every day
5. Limit your use of electronics and TV time
6. Go to bed at the same time every night

COVID-19 has been an uncontrollable, unpredictable, and chronic stressor impacting everyone in some way. Creating consistency for yourself with a routine will help you regain a sense of control and reduce your levels of stress and anxiety.

How is 2022 going to be different for you? What are your mental health goals?

By

Ria Jindal

 

Sources:
[1] – https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2782796
[2]-https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/HealthU/2020/06/02/why-routines-are-important-for-m
ental-health#.YdHusRNKhQI