Starting the New Year with Strong Emotional Health: Key Guidance from Spain
Experts in Spain offer guidance on fostering emotional well-being with structured routines, social connection, self-care, and community support as the new year begins.
- • Structured daily routines promote stability and reduce post-holiday uncertainty.
- • Social connections prevent isolation and enhance well-being, especially for older adults.
- • Engaging in hobbies and expressing emotions aid mood and emotional relief.
- • Setting simple, attainable goals improves self-esteem and confidence.
Key details
As the new year begins, experts emphasize the importance of focusing on emotional health and well-being, particularly for older adults, who are encouraged to re-establish routines that support psychological balance. According to guidance from Chiclana's municipal wellness services, maintaining a structured daily routine involving regular waking, eating, and resting times helps reduce uncertainty and fosters a positive outlook after the emotionally intense holiday season. Social connection is crucial in preventing isolation and loneliness, with active participation in family, friends, and community activities—such as workshops and senior center gatherings—being vital.
Engaging in enjoyable and stimulating activities like reading, music, walking, and crafts serves to uplift mood and keep the mind active. Expressing emotions openly by discussing feelings and seeking support through family or municipal resources provides important relief and emotional balance. Self-care practices including adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and suitable physical activity are strongly recommended as the mind and body are intertwined.
The advice includes setting simple, achievable goals for the year ahead to boost self-esteem and confidence rather than imposing excessive demands. Recognizing small daily accomplishments is also encouraged to reinforce personal well-being.
While this guidance focuses on emotional health enhancement, the Federación Salud Mental Andalucía is concurrently addressing bullying in a new podcast episode. The federation warns that bullying affects 12.3% of students in Spain and can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Personal stories shared highlight the value of therapeutic support and resilience, while experts stress early detection and community intervention, advocating for societal and institutional involvement to create safe and empathetic educational environments.
Together, these initiatives underline the importance of nurturing emotional well-being across different age groups at the start of the year, combining personal care with community support and public health awareness.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
