Efforts to recognize and encourage the good qualities in people can bring about positive life changes and improve our mental health. As we enter the New Year, it is the perfect time to acknowledge, encourage, and reflect on the virtues that make people good. This year, let us strive to spread mental health within ourselves and our surroundings. Below are some tips to help improve our mental health and inspire those around us.
1) Practice kindness
Make a deliberate effort to perform at least one act of kindness daily. It can be as simple as offering a compliment, assisting a neighbour, or volunteering your time. Kindness fosters a sense of community, encourages reciprocity, and creates a ripple effect of positivity.

2) Value honesty
Always strive for honesty in your interactions. Be truthful with yourself about your feelings and intentions and with others. Honesty builds trust, strengthens relationships, and lays the foundation for meaningful connections.
3) Develop empathy
Take the time to listen deeply to the stories and experiences of others. Engage in conversations that broaden your understanding of different perspectives.
Empathy bridges divides, nurtures compassion, and helps create a more harmonious society.
4) Be trustworthy
Honour your commitments and ensure you fulfil your promises. If you say you’ll do something, prioritize following it through. Being trustworthy enhances your reputation as a reliable individual and strengthens your relationships.

5) Embrace generosity and philanthropy
Seek opportunities to give back, whether donating to causes you care about, sharing your talents, or simply spending time with a friend. Generosity benefits both the giver and the recipient, bringing all involved a sense of fulfilment and joy.
6) Maintain a positive attitude
Cultivate a positive mindset by starting each day with affirmations or expressions of gratitude. Focus on finding the good in every situation. A positive attitude energises you and uplifts those around you, inspiring optimism in others.

7) Listen actively
Practise active listening by giving your full attention to the person speaking. Avoid interrupting, and show that you value their thoughts. Active listening fosters deeper relationships, demonstrates respect, and helps broaden your perspectives through the ideas of others.
8) Avoid preconceptions
Learn to accept people as they are. Practise compassion instead of criticism and understanding rather than judgment. Respect the ideas, preferences, and achievements of others without jealousy or disdain.
A non-judgmental approach encourages openness, builds trust, and inspires others. Celebrating others’ successes can motivate us to pursue our goals while avoiding jealousy and criticism, which contributes to personal growth.

Consider these qualities when choosing and fostering connections as we begin new relationships in the New Year — be it with a life partner, friend, or colleague.
Recognizing and cultivating good qualities in ourselves and others enriches our relationships and improves the mental health and well-being of those around us. As we embark on this New Year, let us commit to positively impacting our world.
(The author is a professional social worker and a child, adolescent, and relationship counsellor.)

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