Mental health goals: the crucial role of New Year goals in mental health

The MIND 24-7 Team | January 19, 2024

In our second blog in this series about mental health in the New Year, we dive into the importance of goal setting in creating a healthier mind. Goals give us direction and also play an essential role in our mental wellbeing. Setting and achieving goals can help us feel more purposeful and accomplished. Whether big or small, mental health goals can significantly improve the health of our mental state. Let’s talk about how to set mental health goals and where to begin.

The importance of setting new year goals for your mental health

Just as you set fitness, personal, and professional goals, consider prioritizing mental health. The good news is that setting goals is a big step in the right direction. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, people who set specific, challenging goals experience 20% higher self-esteem and 15% less anxiety. Here are some other possible benefits to consider: 

  • Jump starts healthy habits: Setting goals is the first step in building healthy habits that make you feel a bit better, even when times are tough. 
  • Builds resilience: Setting and working towards goals can be hard. Facing these challenges head-on can make it easier to deal with hurdles that pop up down the road. 
  • Provides focus: By setting mental health goals, you direct your energy to improving your wellbeing. 

New Year mental health goals to set in 2024

Let’s discuss some mental health goals. 

  1. Start a mindfulness practice: Mindfulness skills help you stay focused and keep your cool. Consider using mindfulness apps to add meditation or deep-breathing exercises to your daily routine. 
  2. Set boundaries: Boundaries protect your mental wellbeing, help build healthy relationships, and reduce burnout. To set and hold healthy boundaries, communicate your needs, learn to say no, and prioritize self-care. 
  3. Practice Self-Care: Speaking of self-care, it is a great way to boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and help you feel your best. Schedule regular self-care activities like turning off screens, enjoying healthy food, and spending time in nature. 
  4. Spend time with loved ones: Make time for the people who make you happy and support you. Doing so can cut down on loneliness and help you remember the good things in life. 
  5. Get professional help: Everyone can struggle with mental health, and no one has to deal with mental health on their own. Whether you just need an empathetic person to listen to you or need help tackling big challenges, a mental health professional can help. 

How to set mental health goals

Here are some tips to set mental health goals that can improve your wellbeing. 

  1. Think about your values: What is important to you in life? Knowing what matters to you will help you choose goals that are meaningful to you. 
  2. Consider your mental wellbeing: Are there any areas that you would like to make better, like managing stress, boosting self-esteem, or building relationships? 
  3. Start small and celebrate big: The best goals are the ones that you can actually attain. Start with small, manageable goals. Celebrate even the smallest wins, and let your goals grow as you make progress. 
  4. Be flexible: Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals or timeline if needed. Life happens, and it’s okay to adapt your plan accordingly. Be gentle with yourself as you work on improving your mental health. 
  5. Work with a professional: Working with a professional can make a big difference in your mental health. A trained and certified mental health provider can help you set goals that will make a big difference in your life. They can also help you reach your goals, track your progress, and learn advice along the way. 

Improving your New Year with MIND 24-7

MIND 24-7 offers around-the-clock mental health support, ensuring that your mental health goals have a dedicated space in your overall wellbeing plan. 

Through Express care, we offer walk-in mental health services for patients who want to see a certified professional and quickly be on their way. Through Crisis care, we provide walk-in emergency treatment for children and adults. Through Progressions, we provide ongoing individual and group counseling and peer support for patients for up to 90 days. Our mental health care services include physical and psychiatric evaluation, medication review and refill, care planning, referrals, and lab services (when needed).

We currently have several locations in the Phoenix area, open every day of the year, all hours of the day and night, including holidays. 

For help with a mental health evaluation and to get same-day mental health care, visit one of our convenient locations or text/call 1-844-MIND247.