The Mindful New Year: Why Mental Health Is a Top Goal for 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 02, 2026 – As Americans chart their courses for the new year, a significant shift is taking place. Beyond traditional vows to exercise more or save money, a growing number are resolving to care for their minds. According to a new Healthy Minds Poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), more than one in three Americans (38%) plan to make a mental health-related resolution for 2026, a notable 5% increase from the previous year.

This places mental well-being as the third most common resolution, trailing only physical fitness (44%) and financial goals (42%). The findings signal an evolving understanding of personal health, where emotional and psychological wellness are no longer secondary concerns but integral components of a fulfilling life. This trend, which has been building steadily for several years, is being driven overwhelmingly by the nation's youngest adults.

Generation Wellness Leads the Charge

The data reveals a stark generational divide in New Year's priorities. A remarkable 58% of adults aged 18 to 34 are planning mental health resolutions for 2026. This figure stands in sharp contrast to older demographics, with only 32% of those aged 45-64 and a mere 11% of adults 65 and over reporting similar intentions.

This youth-led movement is not an overnight phenomenon. Research indicates that younger generations, including Gen Z and millennials, have experienced more significant declines in self-reported mental health ratings compared to their elders. In response, they have become far more proactive in seeking support. Recent surveys show that young adults are more than twice as likely as older generations to engage in therapy, averaging over four mental health visits annually.

Growing up in an era of greater openness around mental health has empowered many to acknowledge their struggles, yet a complex relationship with stigma persists. While more comfortable discussing the topic, many young people still fear judgment. The digital world presents a further paradox; social media can be a source of community and information but is also widely cited as a contributor to anxiety and social comparison. The collective trauma and disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic also profoundly impacted this generation, accelerating the need for accessible mental health resources and personal coping strategies.

Resolutions as a Remedy for an Anxious Age

The increasing focus on mental health is unfolding against a backdrop of persistent, widespread anxiety. The APA poll found that as 2026 begins, Americans are most anxious about their personal finances (59%), the general uncertainty of the year ahead (53%), and current events (49%). These figures are nearly identical to those from the previous year, highlighting a sustained state of unease.

Concerns over physical and mental health itself also rank high, at 46% and 42% respectively. In this climate of instability, mental health resolutions are emerging as a form of proactive self-care—a way for individuals to build resilience and reclaim a sense of control.

“A new year can bring change, possibility, and uncertainty,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “Feelings of anxiousness underscore the importance of paying attention to how we’re doing and taking practical steps, large or small, to support our mental health.”

Experts suggest that focusing on what one can control—such as daily habits, self-care routines, and seeking support—is a powerful antidote to anxiety fueled by external factors like economic volatility or global turmoil. Resolutions like practicing mindfulness, limiting exposure to overwhelming news cycles, or engaging in therapy are direct responses to these modern stressors.

From Intention to Sustainable Habit

While intention is growing, the challenge of maintaining resolutions remains. Studies show that the average New Year's resolution lasts just under four months, with only a fraction of people sticking to their goals long-term. To bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, experts in behavioral science recommend a more strategic approach.

Common mental health goals identified in the poll include regular physical activity, practicing mindfulness or meditation, spending more time in nature, and engaging in therapy. Each of these is backed by extensive research demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving mood. “The strategies people are embracing—such as regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, adequate sleep, time in nature, and engaging in therapy—reflect a growing recognition that mental health is deeply connected to daily habits,” noted APA President Theresa M. Miskimen Rivera, M.D.

To increase the likelihood of success, experts advise against vague, sweeping goals like "be less anxious." Instead, they champion approach-oriented goals that are specific and actionable. For example, instead of avoiding stress, one might resolve to “meditate for 10 minutes each morning” or “schedule one walk in a park per week.”

Breaking larger ambitions into small, manageable steps helps build momentum and create sustainable habits. Accountability, whether through sharing goals with a friend or using a tracking app, also plays a crucial role. Perhaps most importantly, psychologists emphasize the need for self-compassion. Setbacks are a natural part of behavior change, and the ability to recommit to a goal after a lapse is a better predictor of long-term success than initial perfection.

As 2026 gets underway, the rise of the mental health resolution marks a profound cultural evolution. It reflects a collective move toward a more holistic and resilient definition of health, one where caring for the mind is recognized as an essential, ongoing practice for navigating the complexities of modern life.