Taking care of one’s mental wellness is vital for leading a balanced, healthy life. As the new year begins and resolutions start to take shape, it’s important to prioritize mental health as part of a self-care routine. When mental health is overlooked, stress, anxiety and even burnout can emerge, negatively impacting both personal and professional life.

Improving mental well-being is a personalized journey and the key is finding what works for each individual. It may take time, but by starting with small steps, mental wellness can become a regular part of everyday life. Here are a few practical ways to start:

Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Exercise is a proven way to boost both mood and physical health, offering a two-in-one benefit for mental wellness.

Practice gratitude. Set aside time each day to reflect on everything there is to be grateful for. Whether it’s writing them down, sharing with a friend, or just thinking about them during stressful times, gratitude can help shift a mindset.

Prioritize sleep. Adequate rest is crucial for mental and physical health. Sleep helps regulate emotions, improves cognitive functions, and restores energy, so making it a priority can significantly improve mental wellness.

Seek professional support. Sutter Health Plan members have access to Self Care by AbleTo a confidential, self-paced platform available 24/7 via online or mobile app at no extra cost through U.S. Behavioral Health Plan, California (USBHPC), a subsidiary of Optum. Members can find tools to help them better understand their emotions, manage stress and boost overall well-being through personalized content, coping strategies, mindfulness techniques and more.

Get started with AbleTo:

1. For access through a mobile device, download the AbleTo app from the App Store or Google Play and follow the prompts to get started. On a computer, visit AbleTo.com/begin and select the Get Started button.
2. Select program sponsor: Sutter Health Plan
3. When prompted, input the access code. Members can find the access code in their Sutter Health Plan Welcome Book. Members may also obtain the access code by calling Customer Service at (855) 315-5800.
4. Answer a few brief questions and create an account.

For those facing a crisis, it’s important to reach out for help immediately. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department for urgent care. For behavioral health crises, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988, available 24/7. Sutter Health Plan members can also call USBHPC at (855) 202-0984 for confidential support at any time.