Mental health issues are more common than we think. It is estimated that 25% of US adults are impacted by mental-health related problems. So as we begin the New Year, here are 10 mental health reminders. Let’s make this New Year a healthy mental health one as well.

1. Distance yourself from toxic people. If someone has a negative impact on your mental health, you do not have to feel guilty distancing yourself. These people are usually abusers, manipulators, narcissists or control freaks. You don’t have to put yourself in constant contact with them. In fact, minimize your contact. And if they are related to you, talk to a therapist or someone who will help you establish clear boundaries (see#2).
2. Set clear and appropriate boundaries. When you need to set a boundary do it. True friends can handle you standing up for yourself and setting clear boundaries. This is actually a healthy behavior and will create healthy relationships.
3. Don’t take things personally. It’s easy to read into someone’s behavior or words, but try not to take it personally unless you’ve talked with the person and know you were the target or their intent was to criticize you. People say and do things often unrelated to you.
4. Stop people pleasing. It’s tempting to please to get people to like you or even remain your friend. But in the end, you lose your sense of self and the relationship will lack depth and intimacy. .
5. Sadness is real. I’ve heard it said that people of faith should never be sad. That is ridiculous. Grief and loss are real and sadness is a normal human emotion. Yes, God helps us with our sadness, often to work our way through it, but to deny it is unhealthy.
6. You are boring if you are not on the go. It is not wrong to want to stay home, say no and take care of your own business. Going out and doing all the time are overrated. Don’t feel guilty for liking your family or being a home body.
7. Pets make our lives better. They help with grief and can sense when you are distress. They bring comfort and joy to many. So treat them well because you get unconditional love from these creates big and small.
8. Boredom can be good.  It’s healthy to not always distract yourself with doing. Boredom is healthy at times. Don’t feel you must do something at all times. And don’t fill up your time with unhealthy substances or activities. Learn to de-stress with nature, reading and meditating.
9. Fathers influence daughters. Dads listen up: Fathers who do household chores tend to have more ambitious daughters. Dads role model so much and impact their families in so many ways. Don’t buy the lie that fathers are not important or needed. Research doesn’t support this.
10. Marry your best friend. If you want to reduce your risk of divorce by 70%, marry your best friend. If you’re married, work on being your partner’s best friend! Friendship sustains relationships!