In 2025, the American Psychiatric Association highlighted a new record: One-third of Americans (33%) made a new year’s resolution focused on mental health. Many of these individuals vowed to see a therapist, exercise more, and/or practice meditation in the new year. These goals were particularly prominent among young adults, with close to half of those surveyed (48% of 18- to 34-year-olds) making a mental health resolution last year.

As we ring in 2026, we expect to see a lot of the same: People, particularly young populations, prioritizing their mental wellbeing. With more than 1 in 5 adults, and 1 in 7 youth, struggling with mental illness in the United States, improving mental health is more important than ever. 

Whether you’re battling a mental health condition, or facing unaddressed symptoms like anxiety, depression, or long-held trauma, making mental health goals can help you set the stage for a more stable and meaningful year ahead.

Examples of Mental Health Goals to Turn into Resolutions

Below are examples of mental health goals that you can make in the new year (and beyond!).

1. Exercise more.

Fitness consistently ranks among the most popular new year’s resolutions, but the narrative is shifting. While weight loss might be the goal for some, mental wellness is the goal for many others. Research shows that physical activity is directly connected to mental health, with exercise having the ability to reduce stress hormones, improve mood, and boost energy. Even light exercise, such as taking walks or stretching, can help regulate emotions and alleviate mental health symptoms. As such, consider adding physical activity and movement to your list of goals in the new year.

2. Eat better.

There’s a saying that goes, “You are what you eat,” and this is often true when it comes to mental wellness. The right foods can boost your energy, reduce mood swings, and support brain health. With this in mind, consider prioritizing nutritious, balanced meals—full of vitamins, minerals—and eating on a regular cadence to help stabilize your physical and mental health.

3. Meditation

Evidence suggests that meditation—a mind-body practice focused on mental clarity and balance—can be more refreshing than taking a nap. This exercise reduces stress, improves sleep, boosts productivity, increases memory, and calms activity in the brain and nervous system. A common mental health goal, therefore, is practicing meditation more regularly. Even a few minutes of meditation per day can greatly improve a person’s awareness, stress response, and anxiety levels.

4. Spend more time in nature.

Getting outside has proven mental health benefits, including improved mood, increased energy, enhanced creativity, reduced stress, better cognitive function, and improved sleep. The vitamin D from the sun, combined with a refreshing breeze, can be the antidote for a bad day. So, whether it’s a walk in with your dog, or simply sitting outside in silence, connecting with nature can be grounding and restorative for your mental health.

5. Focus on spirituality.

Spirituality is something many people turn to when dealing with illness, including mental health disorders. Whether religious or personal, spirituality can provide a person with meaning, comfort, and connection during times of need. As such, many people (more than one-third) put spirituality at the top of their goal list. They may seek to explore new spiritual practices, re-establish their values, and find a sense of purpose through religion, nature, humanity, or a higher power.

6. Take a social media hiatus.

Social media can disrupt mental stability. The instantaneous social media posts that constantly flood your feed can, over time, cause stress, social pressure, low self-esteem, and an unhealthy fear of missing out. Stepping back from social media is a great way to re-prioritize your mental health. Even a short break can reduce information overload, comparison culture, and emotional burnout. It can also create space for clearer thinking and more meaningful offline connections.

7. Try journaling.

Journaling is a great way to process thoughts and emotions, as well as practice gratitude, when struggling with mental health symptoms. It allows you to take a step back and, by writing regularly, start to identify patterns in your thoughts and attitudes. Further, writing things down can be helpful for relieving stress and understanding the root of your troubles. And even during difficult times, gratitude journaling can help you find positive moments to be thankful for each day.

8. Get more sleep.

Sleep is a non-negotiable when it comes to mental health. An adequate amount of sleep – at least 7 hours for adults and 8-10 hours for teens – is essential for emotional regulation, mental clarity, and a balanced mood. Individuals who get less than the recommended amount of sleep are 2.5x more likely to experience mental distress. So, this year, be sure to prioritize your rest. More sleep means a better mood, improved concentration, higher resilience, and ultimately, less stress in everyday life.

9. Prioritize yourself.

From this point on, make a point to prioritize yourself. This can look different for everyone, but it’s an important mental health goal. Putting yourself first might mean setting boundaries, saying “no” more often, and honoring your needs. It might mean carving out time for the things that bring you joy, like a hobby or spending time with friends. Further, prioritizing yourself might mean more self-care practices—intentional efforts to take care of your mind and body (think: taking a shower or a nap!) to prevent burnout and stress.

10. See a therapist or get treatment.

For some people, the new year signals new beginnings, which might mean getting their mental health in order. If you are dealing with ongoing mental health symptoms, and they are disrupting your quality of life, you might consider professional treatment or therapy. Professional treatment offers guidance, structure, and evidence-based methods for managing mental health symptoms. Therapy can help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills, and work toward long-term mental stability.

Ready to take that next step? Find mental health support.

A note on your mental health resolutions: These goals do not need to be grandiose. Small, achievable, and process-based goals – like prioritizing your sleep and practicing self-care – can be monumental in long-term recovery. So, choose goals that resonate with you and that feel within your reach.

Why Goal Setting is So Important for Mental Health Recovery

We’ve talked about goal setting in the context of addiction recovery, but it plays an equally important role in recovery from mental health conditions—offering many of the same benefits. 

Goal setting provides structure, direction, and accountability during a very vulnerable period in your life. It can offer motivation during low periods, a sense of control when things are spiraling, and support when making daily decisions. When you feel uncertain or overwhelmed, looking back on your goals can help you find clarity and re-focus your priorities. After all, many mental health conditions (like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders) can disrupt a person’s motivation and ability to carry out everyday activities. Setting goals offers an opportunity to maintain forward momentum and remember what’s most important to you.

With that said, goal setting can also encourage hope and optimism for those struggling with mental health symptoms. In recovery, we encourage individuals to make SMART goals – specific, measurable, acceptable, realistic, and time-bound goals that are achievable. As one completes their goals, there is an incredible sense of pride and meaning that comes with the accomplishment. They see that change is possible; they see progress. This helps to combat the continuous, negative thought patterns that are so often associated with mental illness.

Prioritizing Your Mental Health in 2026

As a new year begins, goal setting offers an opportunity to approach mental health with intention rather than pressure. Instead of aiming for perfection or total transformation, small and realistic goals centered on well-being, consistency, and self-care can create a real and sustainable change—and support recovery in ways that last far beyond January.

Turnbridge is a mental health treatment provider helping young men, young women, and teens find the support, community, and evidence-based therapies they need. Learn about our programs by visiting us online or calling 877-581-1793. We are here to help, whenever you are ready.