Prioritize Your Mental Health This New Year

With the New Year here, many of us start thinking about resolutions, those goals we set to improve our lives. Often, these goals focus on things we can “do” or achieve, like getting more organized, learning a new skill, or improving our routines. But in the midst of all that, our mental health can easily get pushed aside.

The truth is, taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. It’s the small, consistent steps that make the biggest difference.

Why Mental Health Matters for Your Goals

When I work with residents or am interviewing them for admissions at Parents’ Foundation, one of the first questions I ask is: “What’s your ultimate goal?” Their answers are inspirational and diverse; some want to become professional artists, go back to school, return to work, or live independently.

I like to explain it with this analogy: Think of your goal as an umbrella. To keep the umbrella open, you need the bars that hold it up. Those bars are the everyday habits that support your well-being, like taking a shower, eating meals, attending appointments, and making time for self-care. Without those small, consistent actions, even the biggest goals can feel out of reach.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Caring for yourself doesn’t have to feel like hard work. Here are a few ways to make mental health a part of your daily routine:

1. Make Time for Self-Care

• Take a few minutes each day to do something just for you. Light a candle, read a chapter of a book, or enjoy a warm drink.

• Keep up with hygiene and grooming; it may feel small, but it makes a big difference in how you feel.

  
  

2. Practice Mindfulness

• Try deep breathing, meditation, or journaling for a few minutes each day.

• Take short walks outside and really notice your surroundings.

  
  

3. Keep Consistent Routines

• Track appointments, medications, and daily responsibilities.

• Plan meals or snacks that give you energy and keep your body supported.

• Stick to a bedtime routine to help your body and mind rest.

  
  

4. Do Things You Enjoy

• Watch a favorite show or listen to music that lifts your mood.

• Explore creative hobbies or try something new.

• Connect with friends, family, or supportive communities.

  
  

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

• Every step toward taking care of yourself matters.

• Progress, not perfection, is what keeps your umbrella open.

  
  

Mental Health is Part of Success

Your well-being is not separate from your goals; it’s the basis for reaching them. Whether you’re working toward career, creative, educational, or personal goals, caring for yourself along the way makes those dreams achievable.

At Parents’ Foundation, we encourage everyone, residents and staff alike, to prioritize mental health every day.

Start the Year Strong

As you think about your goals this New Year, ask yourself: "What’s my biggest goal, and what small steps can I take every day to take care of myself?”

Every little action counts. Prioritize your mental health this New Year in the ways that feel right for you. And remember: this journey doesn’t have to be done alone. Here’s to a healthy, balanced, and successful New Year, one small step at a time.