As we bid farewell to the past year and step into a new one, January heralds a season of fresh starts and new beginnings. While many of us set resolutions related to physical health and personal achievements, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of mental health and wellbeing in this journey of self-improvement.
January, with its symbolic transition into a new calendar year, serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise our mental health. The pressures of modern life, coupled with the challenges brought on by the global pandemic, have underscored the importance of maintaining a resilient and balanced mind.
Taking care of our mental wellbeing is not just a trend or a passing phase—it’s a lifelong commitment to living a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Whether you’re struggling with a particular mental health concern, or looking for ways to improve your emotional intelligence and adaptability, read on for some recommendations from our Shelf Help section.
Wired Differently by Joe Wells
This illustrated portrait collection honours 30 influential neurodivergent individuals for their recent remarkable achievements. The book’s extraordinary stories emphasise that their accomplishments, creations, and inspiration stem not despite their differences but because of them. Encompassing politicians, activists, journalists, YouTubers, DJs, and poets, it showcases diverse career paths, offering neurodivergent readers a spectrum of exciting possibilities.
How to Say No by Michelle Elman
Empower yourself by saying NO to demanding friends, unwanted parties, phone distractions, and unwelcome hugs. This essential guide, suitable for readers aged 9+, navigates the challenges of growing up with humour and insight. Authored by Michelle Elman, a life coach and activist, it teaches the strength, confidence, and self-worth that come with setting boundaries. From friendships to phones and family, this playful and empowering book offers a one-stop guide to creating your life’s rules and knowing when it’s okay to say NO!
Failosophy for Teens by Elizabeth Day
A guide for navigating life’s challenges, “Failosophy For Teens” by Elizabeth Day uses personal experiences and stories from her podcast, “How to Fail,” to empower teens facing setbacks. Embracing failure becomes the key to happiness, success, and self-acceptance. Learn to openly discuss failure, turn it into success, build resilience, and reframe negative thoughts. Failing better leads to growth, learning, and embracing your awesome self. This inspiring handbook will transform your self-perception and life.
Fighting Invisible Tigers by Earl Hipp
“Fighting Invisible Tigers” provides teens with practical advice on stress management, anxiety reduction, and digital well-being. Stress among adolescents is a growing concern, impacting their daily lives. This updated guide teaches proven techniques for handling stressors like school, friendships, and social media. It offers valuable insights on decision-making, assertiveness, relaxation exercises, time management, and more. Empowering teens to control their stress response promotes healthier relationships, better decisions, and enhanced well-being.
A Better Day by Dr Alex George
Discover a positive approach to mental health with Youth Mental Health Ambassador Dr. Alex George’s empowering handbook, “A Better Day.” Addressing challenges like peer pressure, exam stress, and online trolls, this practical toolkit guides young readers in caring for their mental health. From overcoming stigma to developing resilience, the book provides scaffolding and techniques to stay optimistic. With insights on talking about feelings and shifting mindset, it offers hope for a brighter future despite life’s ups and downs.
As we embrace the spirit of new beginnings this January, let’s not overlook the importance of mental health. By recognising the interconnectedness of mind and body, we can lay the foundation for a year filled with personal growth, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not just a resolution—it’s a commitment to a healthier, happier you.
