Table of Contents

  1. 8 New Year’s Resolutions to Help with Mental Health Recovery
  2. 1. Improving Sleep Habits
  3. 2. Adding or Increasing Exercise
  4. 3. Developing Self-Care Habits
  5. 4. Practicing Meditation & Mindfulness
  6. 5. Working on Healthy Eating Habits
  7. 6. Taking a Social Media Detox
  8. 7. Finding a Mental Health Support Partner
  9. 8. Staying on Track with Mental Health Recovery Goals
  10. Enjoy Year-Round Balanced Mental Health
  11. Sources

8 New Year’s Resolutions to Help with Mental Health Recovery

Updated last February 10, 2025
Published by: Facility Staff

The holiday season can be tough on your mental health. Stress, family gatherings, and the end-of-year rush can leave you feeling drained or even trigger a relapse in your recovery journey.

But with the new year comes a fresh start and the opportunity to set achievable goals that support your mental health recovery. While New Year’s resolutions can feel daunting, shifting the focus to your well-being can transform them into powerful tools for personal growth.

Here are eight New Year’s resolutions to help you on your path to mental well-being and personal growth.

1. Improving Sleep Habits

Good mental health starts with good sleep. Sleep impacts everything from your mood to your ability to manage stress. Here’s how to make your sleep habits work for your recovery:

  • Put your phone away early. Stop scrolling at least 1-2 hours before bed to avoid the side effects of blue light exposure, which can mess with your sleep cycle.
  • Stick to a routine. Go to bed at the same time every night, even on weekends. A set schedule signals to your body that it’s time to wind down.
  • Create a bedtime ritual. Read, do a skincare routine, or sip a warm, caffeine-free drink. Doing the same thing every night helps your brain prepare for sleep.
  • Sleep in the dark. Eliminate as much light as possible to improve your sleep quality.

Sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined. Poor sleep can worsen existing mental health conditions, while mental health challenges can significantly disrupt sleep patterns.

Prioritizing good sleep hygiene is crucial for both mental and physical well-being.

2. Adding or Increasing Exercise

Physical health and mental well-being also go hand in hand. Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym daily. Start small and make it attainable:

  • Begin with a walk. A 10-minute walk each day can improve your mood and reduce stress.
  • Try something new. Yoga, Pilates, or even dancing in your living room are great ways to move your body.
  • Use free resources. Fitness apps and YouTube are full of accessible workouts for any skill level.

The goal is to make exercise a regular part of your day-to-day life. Regular movement supports your recovery journey and fosters positive changes in your mental health conditions.

3. Developing Self-Care Habits

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths – it’s about nurturing yourself in ways that restore your well-being. Here are some great ways to practice self-care:

  • Try a new hobby. Explore activities like crafting, baking, or writing. Creativity boosts mental health by providing a dopamine lift.
  • Commit to small joys. Spend 30 minutes daily doing something just for you, whether solving a puzzle, reading, or meditating.
  • Join a support group or club. Connecting with others who share your interests builds a support system and reduces feelings of isolation.

Self-compassion is key to self-care. Give yourself grace as you explore what works for you.

4. Practicing Meditation & Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps you stay present and avoid being overwhelmed by negative self-talk or past struggles. Here are a few ways to incorporate it:

  • Start with gratitude. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for.
  • Focus on your breath. When anxious, take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind. There are some great breathing apps available to help you with this.
  • Stay in the moment. Mindfulness teaches you to focus on what’s happening right now, which is especially helpful in recovery.

These practices encourage mental well-being and strengthen your ability to manage mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

5. Working on Healthy Eating Habits

Food fuels your body and your brain. Making small, realistic changes to your diet can have a big impact on your mental health. Here are some tips:

  • Add more greens. Incorporate at least one serving of vegetables into each meal. 
  • Plan your meals. Preparing balanced meals ahead of time helps you make healthier choices. It’s much easier to stick to healthy food if it’s already made and easy to grab.
  • Get professional advice. Many health insurance plans cover visits to accredited nutritionists who can help build a program specifically for you.

Healthy eating supports your day-to-day energy levels and keeps your mental health in check, especially during the ups and downs of your recovery.

6. Taking a Social Media Detox

Social media can be overwhelming, especially when you’re working on your mental health. A social media  detox can help reduce stress and improve your focus:

  • Log out completely. Logging out of apps makes it harder to scroll mindlessly and easier to stay accountable.
  • Start small. Take a break for a day or two during stressful times. Gradually increase the length of your detox if it helps.
  • Reflect on the benefits. Notice how stepping away from social media impacts your mood and self-esteem.

A break from social media can improve your mental health by freeing up time for other hobbies and passions and fostering positive interactions with loved ones.

7. Finding a Mental Health Support Partner

You don’t have to navigate recovery alone. Having a trusted person to lean on can make a world of difference:

  • Choose someone you trust. This could be a family member, a friend, or someone from a support group.
  • Set boundaries. Make sure both of you are clear about what you can expect from each other.
  • Be a support system. Offer the same encouragement and accountability to your partner when they need it.

A strong support system reinforces good mental health and keeps you motivated on tough days.

8. Staying on Track with Mental Health Recovery Goals

Your recovery journey is personal, and staying on track with your goals is essential:

  • Set SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, if you’re on medication, set a goal to take it at the same time each day and track how you feel.
  • Commit to therapy. Do the ‘homework’ your therapist suggests, like journaling or practicing mindfulness.
  • Be kind to yourself. Relapses happen, but they don’t define your recovery. Recognize them as a part of your journey and seek help to get back on track. Give yourself grace.

Sticking to your recovery plan helps prevent setbacks and keeps you focused on your mental well-being.

Enjoy Year-Round Balanced Mental Health

New Year’s resolutions for mental health don’t have to be overwhelming. By setting realistic goals and focusing on small, positive changes, you can turn the holiday season into an opportunity for growth and healing.

If you’re looking for additional support, Mark Behavioral Health offers accredited mental health services, outpatient care, and addiction treatment programs. Our team of mental health professionals can guide you toward attainable goals and lasting well-being.

Let this new year be the fresh start you deserve!

Take the first step toward better mental health and a brighter future. Learn more about our psychiatry services, therapy options, and personalized care plans by contacting Mark Behavioral Health today.

Sources

SAMHSA Native Connections. “Setting Goals and Developing Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound Objectives”. Retrieved from:
https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/nc-smart-goals-fact-sheet.pdf
Sleep Foundation. “Mental Health and Sleep”. Retrieved from:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health