As you think about New Year’s resolutions, improving your health is often at the top of the list. While many people focus on physical goals, mental and physical health are deeply connected. In 2026, we encourage you to take a more holistic approach by prioritizing your mental well-being and recognizing the powerful impact it can have on your overall health.
Our Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Ragan Williams, shares five practical tips to help you care for your mental health in the New Year.
- Practice Self-Compassion
New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming, and statistics show that nearly 90% don’t make it past February. The pressure to “get it right” can create unnecessary stress. When setting goals, aim for ones that are realistic and attainable.
Ragan encourages practicing self-compassion: “This year, it’s important to give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Progress doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Focus on taking things one day and one step at a time, and don’t let missed days or unmet goals discourage you from continuing.”
- Nurture Community
Big goals are easier to achieve when you’re supported by others. “Having a strong support system can make a meaningful difference when working toward personal goals,” says Ragan. “Friends, family, and community can provide encouragement, accountability, and motivation.”
If your support system feels limited, the New Year can be a great opportunity to build new connections. Attend community events, join a class, volunteer, or simply be more intentional about reaching out. Strengthening your sense of community can positively impact both your mental health and your ability to stay motivated.
- Strengthen Your Emotional Knowledge
Learning to recognize your emotions is a powerful mental health skill. Ragan emphasizes the importance of “learning to name and understand your emotions” and suggests setting goals that support emotional awareness, such as journaling, attending therapy, or practicing regular self-reflection.
When you can identify what you’re feeling, you’re better equipped to regulate stress, meet your needs, and decide what steps to take next, especially during challenging moments.
- Set Realistic Goals for Media Consumption
Reducing screen time can be an important part of maintaining balance. Take time to reflect on how much you’re using screens and social media and how it makes you feel. If media use feels excessive or distracting, set realistic goals to limit it.
Excessive screen time can reduce opportunities for face-to-face connection and personal hobbies, and social media can sometimes contribute to comparison or dissatisfaction. “Replacing screen time with activities like exercise, hobbies, or in-person connection can have a positive impact on both mental and emotional health,” Ragan notes.
- Practice Setting Boundaries
“The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on boundaries that support your well-being,” says Ragan. Boundaries help protect your relationships with others and with yourself. This may include having honest conversations, limiting time with people who negatively affect your health, or setting internal boundaries, such as reducing negative self-talk.
Take inventory of areas in your life that impact your mental and emotional well-being, and consider where boundaries, conversations, or compromises could lead to healthier relationships and greater balance.
Even during times of stress or hardship, prioritizing your mental health can have a meaningful impact on your life. As mental well-being improves, physical health often follows by reducing stress and supporting healthier habits. As you step into 2026, consider these therapist-recommended steps toward better mental health and a healthier you.
Ragan Williams received her degree from Ball State University in 2023. She currently practices at the Castleton location of the Jane Pauley Community Health Center.
